The National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Morenike Grace Henry, has appealed to retired military personnel protesting in Abuja over pension adjustments to remain calm, disciplined and patient with the Federal Government.
Henry made the appeal in a statement on Thursday by the Chief Information Officer of the Nigerian Legion, H. David, where she appealed to the protesting veterans to suspend their public demonstration.
She commended the veterans for their peaceful and mature conduct, urging them to embrace dialogue rather than public protests in addressing concerns over their welfare and outstanding entitlements.
According to her, the Federal Government has assured veterans that all outstanding entitlements, including approved pension increases, will be fully paid.
“The Federal Government holds veterans in the highest esteem. The state treats our overall welfare as a matter of national priority,” she said.
The Nigerian Legion chairman assured the retirees that the government was working to resolve the administrative processes delaying payment of their entitlements.
“You have sacrificed your youth for the peace of this nation, and that sacrifice is not forgotten. Please be assured that behind the scenes, the Federal Government is actively working to resolve all administrative processes and ensure that every single entitlement due to our veterans is cleared,” she said.
Henry also disclosed that the government was prioritising the healthcare needs of veterans, particularly war-wounded personnel.
She said the Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Legion were seeking strategic partnerships and international support to improve healthcare services for war-wounded veterans.
According to her, interventions are also being developed to provide prosthetic limbs for amputees, hearing aids for veterans with auditory impairments, corrective eye surgeries for those with visual ailments, as well as wheelchairs and other mobility aids for physically challenged veterans.
The Nigerian Legion chairman further urged the retirees to remain disciplined, orderly and law-abiding, stressing that they should not allow their community to be used by individuals seeking to cause civil unrest.
“Change and relief are on the way,” Henry assured the veterans.
She thanked the pensioners for their continued loyalty, dedication and patience, and called for sustained cooperation as efforts to address their welfare concerns continue.
“God bless the Nigerian Veteran! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” she concluded.