Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
AGGRIEVED military retirees on Tuesday barricaded the entrance to the Military Pensions Board office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, in protest against the formula adopted for adjusting their pensions.
The protest caused tension at the premises as the retirees blocked access to the office with canopies and chairs, while armed soldiers prevented them from entering the building.
Workers at the office were reportedly apprehensive as the protesting veterans, who turned out in large numbers, gathered in front of the main gates to press home their demands.
Despite the standoff, the armed soldiers stationed at the premises made no attempt to remove or arrest the protesting ex-servicemen.
The demonstration came weeks after retired soldiers staged a similar protest at the Ministry of Defence in September, demanding an upward review of their pensions following salary adjustments for serving military personnel.
The retirees are unhappy with what they described as a flawed pension adjustment formula, which they believe fails to adequately reflect the salary increases granted to serving personnel.
They are demanding a fair and transparent recalculation of their pension entitlements to ensure that the recent pay rise is properly reflected in their benefits.
The protest also comes against the backdrop of an earlier assurance reportedly given by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, that the pensions of retired military personnel would be increased in October.
However, Tuesday’s demonstration suggests that discontent persists among the veterans over the calculation of their pension benefits, despite the reported assurance.
The retirees are insisting that their entitlements be reviewed in a manner that fairly reflects the recent salary adjustments for serving personnel.
The latest protest highlights continuing concerns over the welfare of retired military personnel and the need to address disputes surrounding pension adjustments and the fulfilment of commitments made to former members of the Armed Forces.
