Hardship: Ex military personnel begs Tinubu to come to aid
From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
The Publicity Secretary of the Retired Army, Navy, Airforce officers Association, Retired Captain Yusuf Abdulmalik has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pay particular attention to the survival of retired military officers in the face of the current economic hardship in the land.
He lamented that their economic condition has been gravely affected by present inflationary trends while decrying the delays in the implementation of increments and allowances due to them.
Speaking to Sunday Sun at his home in Kano, the elder statesman lamented that military retirees were yet to recieve the 20 percent increment approved in January for retired and serving military officers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu adding that till this moment, there was no circular or communication from the military pension board regarding what is delaying the implementation of the payment.
He also observed that as a habit increments due to them were rarely promptly implemented adding that when eventually they were, they end being paid by installment, sometimes taking several years to be concluded.
“Foi nstance, our security debarment allowance, for instance, is three years running today and the allowance has not yet been concluded “he stated.
Abdulmalik insisted that the debarment allowance was being paid piece meal, instead of a one – off payment to the retirees, adding that the last batch of the payments was received in June, 2024.
“Once approvals are given by the President, I think that payment of such approval should be made promptly and timely. This delay is unhelpful in the face of the economic challenges faced by these military retirees who had given their all for the sake of the country” he said.
Abdulmalik also appealed that their new minimum wage should take cognizance of the already approved 20 percent increment by the president.
