Neglecting retired military personnel not good for Nigeria – NDA alumni

Some alumni of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who are members of the 35 Regular Course, yesterday cautioned the federal government and the military authorities over neglecting retired personnel of the armed forces.

The retired military officers, who also demanded the review of the Armed Forces Pension Act, specifically said the abandonment of retirees from security agencies could pose a danger to the country basically because of the skills they had acquired while in service.

Speaking through the immediate past president of the association at the 40th anniversary of the course in Abuja at the weekend, Emmanuel Golit, a retired air commodore, called for immediate improvement in the welfare of retired security personnel of the various security agencies.

He noted that the retirees could become a willing tool in the hands of criminal groups if left to contend with hunger, adding that in many countries worldwide, retirees are often involved in various forms of government services after their retirement.

Daily Trust reports that various retired military officers’ groups including Coalition for Concerned Veterans and the Civil War Veterans had at various times demanded improved welfare and payment of their pensions and gratuities.

On his part, the newly elected president of the association, Danladi Bausa, a retired air commodore, lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, for steps taken so far to improve the welfare of retirees.