Minister of Defence, Maj.-Gen. Salihi Magashi, (rtd), has disclosed that one hundred and two ex-Biafran soldiers granted presidential pardon have been captured for payment of gratuity and other emoluments by the Military Pension Board.
This was disclosed by Magashi while speaking at the ministerial briefing to flag-off the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, at the Army War College, in Abuja.
Magashi, while explaining why only 102 of the war veterans were captured for the payment, said the war ended 51 years ago and many of those involved are no more alive. He, however, urged those with genuine complaints to come forward with their claims for consideration.
According to him: Payment of pensions and gratuities to retired military personnel is now prompt and regular.
The Ministry would continue to engage the pensioners through relevant organs like the Nigerian Legion, the Veteran Affairs Division and the Military Pension Board to ensure that Government obligations to them are met.
Restating the significance of the Armed Forces Day Celebration, the Minister explained that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration is organised annually by the Ministry of Defence to honour our fallen heroes who laid down their lives in service to humanity during the First and Second World Wars, the Nigerian Civil War, Peace Support Operations and various Internal Security Operations particularly the current war against terrorism that is threatening the corporate existence of our dear fatherland”.
