A group of retired Nigerian soldiers on Thursday took to the streets of Abuja once again to demand the payment of their outstanding entitlements.
According to The PUNCH, the ex-servicemen gathered at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters, accusing government authorities of neglect and failing to keep promises made after their last protest in August.
The retirees had earlier suspended their demonstrations on August 4 following assurances from officials of the Ministries of Defence and Finance that the arrears would be cleared by August 10. However, with no payment received, the group said they had no choice but to return.
One of the protesters, popularly known as Mama G, told reporters that the government’s failure to fulfill its pledge left them with no option but to continue their agitation.
“We are here because the promises made to us were never fulfilled,” she said. “We had no choice but to return to the streets. This time around, the protest will be massive.”
Thursday’s protest adds to a series of demonstrations by retired soldiers in Abuja and other parts of the country in recent years.
The ex-servicemen have consistently decried what they describe as unfair treatment and neglect by successive administrations.