By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi.
Some retired military officers in the country under the aegis of the ‘Nigerian Legion’ have demanded the federal government to settle their outstanding 24 months pension arrears owed them by the previous administration of President Goodluck Jonathan.
Bauchi State Chairman of the legion, retired captain Musa Yakubu made the plea weekend during their 2016 national annual general meeting held at Awalah Hotel, Bauchi.
Captain Musa Yakubu also requested both the federal and state governments to provide the retired military officers with lands and farm implements to enable them engage in mechanized farming as means of livelihood.
Yakubu, who claimed to have served in the army under the direct supervision of the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari when he was a military general in 1979, noted that soldiers were more disciplined in the past which was the reason why they successfully completed their service for the nation with integrity.
He condemned the unruly behaviors being exhibited by some serving officers who belittle themselves by collecting token sums of money from motorists at road blocks and check points, lamenting that the acts only besmirch reputation of the army but portray them as paupers.
Yakubu however expressed satisfaction with the performance of the soldiers and other security agents in the current war against Boko Haram insurgents and other terrorists in parts of the country, and appealed to the general public to continue giving them useful information towards successful operation.
The national chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Colonel Micah Gayya (retired) who also spoke at the meeting said their discussions were aimed at improving the plight of the retired officers, as well as review the constitution of the union.
