Veterans’ Entitlements: A Call for Calm and Immediate Action
By Dr. Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu
A recent update from the 5-Man Ministerial Committee on Military Veterans Welfare has emphasized the need for calm and collective efforts to address the entitlements of military veterans. The committee’s spokesperson, Deputy Veteran Commander Dr. Awwal Aliyu Abdullahi, highlighted the progress made and the necessary actions required to prevent a planned peaceful protest.
Key Commitments and Progress
- Gentlemen’s Agreement with the Minister of Finance: A high-level meeting resulted in commitments to address urgent concerns, including:
- Immediate payment of palliatives (three months)
- Bulk payment of Security Debarment Allowance
- Settlement of minimum wage arrears
- Implementation of the new minimum wage
- Commitment to Keeping Promises: The Ministry of Finance must prioritize fulfilling commitments made to veterans, ensuring prompt implementation and maintaining trust.
- Relentless Efforts of the Five-Man Committee: The committee has worked tirelessly to facilitate communication between veterans and the Ministry of Defence, ensuring:
- Advocacy for full payment of entitlements
- Prevention of protests through engagement with authorities
- Strategic interventions for sustainable support
- Acknowledgment of the Ministry of Defence and Stakeholders: Appreciation is extended to the Ministry of Defence and stakeholders for their commitment to veterans’ welfare, including coordination, ministerial interventions, and high-level engagements.
Growing Agitation and the Need for Immediate Action
Despite ongoing efforts, veterans are growing increasingly agitated due to delays in disbursement of entitlements. The committee urgently calls on the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation to expedite payments and prevent escalation.
Urgent Need for Stakeholder Engagement
A stakeholder engagement meeting is strongly urged to provide clarity on payment status, address concerns, and reassure veterans of the government’s dedication to their welfare.
Appeal for Understanding
The committee appeals for patience and restraint from veterans, acknowledging growing frustration while engagements continue at the highest levels.
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