Abuja – In a poignant display of resilience, retired military veterans spent another night on the streets of Abuja, protesting the non-payment of their pensions and benefits. The biting harmattan cold did little to deter their resolve as they camped outside the Ministry of Finance, demanding justice.
The protests gained momentum yesterday evening when the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, personally addressed the demonstrators. In his brief speech, the minister assured the veterans that their benefits would be disbursed within 24 hours. This promise brought a glimmer of hope but fell short of prompting the protesters to leave.
When reporters from The Bureau Newspaper visited the scene early this morning, the retired soldiers were seen huddled together, sharing breakfast on the roadside. Their continued presence underscored their skepticism of the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances.
“We’ve heard similar promises before,” one veteran remarked. “We will believe it when the money is in our accounts.”
The harmattan cold added to their plight, with many wrapping themselves in layers of clothing to stay warm through the night. Despite their discomfort, their determination to see the government fulfil its obligations remains unshaken.
The veterans’ protest has sparked public sympathy, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the government’s handling of the issue. Citizens have called for expedited action, emphasising the sacrifices made by these men and women in service to the nation.
As the 24-hour deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Ministry of Finance to honour its promise. Meanwhile, the veterans have vowed to remain on the streets until they receive tangible results.
Stay tuned to The Bureau Newspaper for updates on this developing story.
