By Ola Ajayi

IBADAN—THIRTY-eight years after, retired Nigerian soldiers across the country who fought  during the civil war, have complained  about non-payment of their pension by the Federal Government.

According to them, while they who fought for the unity of the country were yet to collect their legitimate pension,  38 years after, their Biafran counterparts have been enjoying all their entitlements including their pensions.

The ex-soldiers under the leadership of their National Coordinator, Ex-sergeant Kasali Busari said after series of screenings, the government is yet to pay any of them after verification of their documents and certifying them for payment since November 6, 2015.

According to him, instead of the country to treat them as heroes for the uncommon loyalty they displayed to make the country a united one, it is rather unfortunate that they are subjected to untold hardship in their old age and legitimate rights denied them.

They said, while waiting endlessly for the unpaid pension, some of their colleagues had died when they could not get money to buy drugs prescribed for them to manage their fragile health.

While commending President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the Minister of Defence, Brig. General Dan Alli(rtd), the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin and the AVM. Mohammed Dabo, Chairman, Military Pension Board for helping them to the level of verification and clearance for payment, they pleaded with them to ensure that the soldiers who spent not less than 15 years in service get their pension as they have promised them.

Citing a March 31st 1977 decree which qualified them for payment, he said, relevant stakeholders should come to their aid and wipe off their tears.