Picture shows the ex-servicemen at the Military Retirees Pensions Board on Tuesday.
From Cyril Mbah, Abuja
There was tension on Tuesday at the Military Pensions Board office in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja, as aggrieved military retirees barricaded the entrance to the premises over the formula adopted for adjusting their pensions.
The protesting veterans blocked access with canopies and chairs, while armed soldiers prevented them from gaining entry into the office, leaving workers apprehensive.
No effort was made by armed soldiers at the premises to remove or arrest the protesting ex-servicemen, who came to the venue in large numbers and sat menacingly at the front of the main gates.
The protest comes weeks after retired soldiers staged a demonstration at the Ministry of Defence in September, demanding upward review of their pensions following salary adjustments for serving personnel.
Their grievance centres on what they described as a flawed adjustment formula that fails to adequately reflect the salary increases granted to those still in service.
The retirees are insisting on a fair and transparent recalculation of their entitlements to properly account for the recent pay rise.
Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, had reportedly assured the retirees that their pensions would be increased in October.
Tuesday’s demonstration underscores the lingering discontent among retired military personnel over welfare and pension entitlements, despite the assurance.
