Hungry ex-servicemen constitute security threat, NDA alumni warn

Members of the Nigerian Defence Academy 35 Regular Course have called for improved welfare for retired personnel of the various security agencies, saying neglecting them poses a threat to the security of the nation.

This was as they demanded a review of the Armed Forces Pension Act.

Speaking during the 40th anniversary of the course in Abuja on Saturday night,  the immediate-past president of the association,  Air Cdre Emmanuel Golit (retd.), said the abandonment of retirees from security agencies could pose a danger to the country because of the skills they had acquired while in service.

He noted that the retirees could become a willing tool in the hands of criminal groups if left to contend with hunger.

Golit said,  “The military, anywhere, is the foundation of the nation-states. If there’s no security in any country, nothing thrives. There will be no industry, no parliament, nothing will work. Now, having served your country diligently, up to the point of retirement, it is incumbent on the government to see to the welfare of members of the security agencies, particularly because you will have skills that can be borrowed, that can be paid for by insurgents.

“For such a group, you need to guard against them selling their skills, either to bandits, terrorists, or other non-state actors because if we leave this group hungry or you don’t care for them, a lot of strange things can happen.

“The government, from time to time, should review the welfare conditions of members of the armed forces and other security agencies. For instance, the Nigerian Armed Forces Act has been there for so long, since the 70s. There has been no deliberate effort to review this document to see how we can add new things that can assist retired members of the armed forces.”

He noted that in many countries worldwide, retirees were often involved in various forms of government services after their retirement.

Golit said, “In other climes, you don’t stay in the armed forces for up to 10 years or you’re retired and you are abandoned. They must look for somewhere to fix you so that you can continue to help your country. That way, it is beneficial to the government, it is beneficial to the citizens, and that way our country will remain safe. “

The newly elected president of the association,  Air Cdre Danladi  Bausa (retd.), appreciated the Chief Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, for steps taken so far to improve the welfare of retirees.

He said, “They have done quite a lot to improve the veterans’ welfare.  They have been carrying veterans along since they came into office.”

The PUNCH reports that groups like the Coalition for Concerned Veterans and the Civil War veterans have at various times demanded improved welfare and payment of their pensions and gratuities.