Members of the Nigeria legion have called for an upward review of the monthly pension of the retired soldiers in the country.
The Chairman of Nigeria Legion, Ebonyi State Captain Fidelis Ogodo (rtd.), who made the appeal during the celebration of the 2021 armed forces Remembrance Day in Abakaliki Ebonyi State, said the review will enable them to cope with the economic hardship facing the country.
Ogodo also urged President Mohammed Buhari to include the newly recommended military pension review which he said would boost the morale of the gallant officers fighting insecurity in the country.
“We want to appreciate the government for regular payment of our pension, but I want to appeal to the President to review it upwards. Due to the cost of things in the market today, the pension is nothing to talk about. He should do well to include the newly recommended military pension review so that it will go a long way in reducing our suffering. The money they give us now is nothing because the cost of things in the market has increased.
“So, I want to appeal to the President to also take care of soldiers who are still serving because the more they take care of them, the more they will be encouraged to face the challenges. There is no doubt in Nigeria today that we have challenges of insecurity, and it is only the arm forces that will help us to sleep with our eyes closed and if that is the case, we need to take care of their welfare and take care of those who have retired.
“What they are doing to us that have retired will go a long way in strengthening those who are still in service knowing fully well that they too will one day leave the service. If they allow us to beg on the way, those who are still in service will be discouraged. They will say it is this what we are going to face when I leave. So, I want to appeal to the government to please help us by review our pension upwards.
The activities marking the 2021 Armed Forces Remembrance Day in Ebonyi came to a climax with the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph of the unknown soldiers.
Ebonyi state Governor Engr David Nweze Umahi who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe was the first to lay the wreath at the cenotaph.
Others include the cantonment commander, Nkwagu military cantonment, Lt col I Irabor , commissioner of Police, Philip Maku; Chairman traditional Rulers council, Eze Charles Mkpuma ; and representative of the widows of the fallen Heroes, Mrs Margaret Agha.
The Governor, had on arrival inspected a guard of Honour mounted by a detachment of Nigerian Army.
The event also featured 21 gun salute and release of pigeons.
