By Muhammad Mamman
Discharged Nigerian soldiers have once again taken to the streets of Abuja, protesting the government’s failure to settle their long-overdue entitlements.
The ex-servicemen, who had suspended demonstrations on 4 August following assurances from the Ministries of Defence and Finance, resumed their protest on Thursday after authorities failed to deliver on their promise to release payments by 10 August.
Gathering at the Ministry of Finance headquarters in the capital, the protesters accused officials of neglect and betrayal, saying repeated assurances had amounted to nothing.
“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled. We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive,” one protester, identified as Mama G, told reporters.
This marks yet another in a series of demonstrations by retired soldiers who, for years, have staged rallies in Abuja and other cities to demand what they describe as fair treatment and respect for their service.
As of press time, the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, and the Military Pension Board had not issued an official response.
