Forgotten Dairies
They Serve The Nation, Now Who Will Serve Them? -By Yusuf Kabiru David
The Ministry of Defence and other relevant government agencies must take responsibility by ensuring that pension matters are handled with justice, transparency and accountability. Retired personnel should not have to beg for what they have legitimately earned through years of national service.
In a country where retired military personnel men and women who dedicated the most productive years of their lives to defending the nation, are forced to publicly demand the adjustment and payment of their pensions, we must pause and ask ourselves: What kind of justice do we owe those who sacrificed for our safety?
Many of these retired personnel fought to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and the lives and properties of its citizens. Yet today, some struggle to provide basic necessities for their families. This is not only unfair to them; it is a painful reflection on the values and dignity of our nation.
We must also ask ourselves why insecurity continues to threaten the country. While there are many factors responsible for insecurity, widespread economic hardship, unemployment and frustration can create an environment where vulnerable people may lose hope and make desperate decisions. This is why the welfare of those who served the nation must never be treated as a secondary matter.
The voices of ordinary Nigerians must not be overshadowed by the influence and privileges of those in positions of power. Every citizen deserves to be heard, particularly when expressing legitimate concerns peacefully and within the law. Peaceful protests and calls for justice should not automatically be treated as threats. The voices of the helpless deserve to be heard.
The Federal Government must remember the sacrifices of our retired military personnel the years of service, the dangers they faced and, in some cases, the blood they shed in defence of the nation. Their demands deserve urgent, transparent and compassionate attention.
The Ministry of Defence and other relevant government agencies must take responsibility by ensuring that pension matters are handled with justice, transparency and accountability. Retired personnel should not have to beg for what they have legitimately earned through years of national service.
A nation that honours its heroes does not abandon them when they can no longer serve on the battlefield.
This is a call for justice. This is a call for dignity. This is a call for the voiceless. Nigeria must do better for those who sacrificed to protect her.
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