The retired soldiers protesting at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja over unpaid entitlements have rejected an order from the Defence Headquarters directing them to vacate the premises.
The ex-servicemen, who have staged multiple protests in recent months, accused the military authorities of diverting funds meant for their allowances and gratuities.
They maintained that as civilians, they are no longer bound by military law and therefore have the constitutional rights to stage peaceful demonstrations.
Responding on behalf of the protesters, Corp. Emmanuel Momodu (retd) accused government officials of frustrating efforts to resolve the matter and diverting attention by linking the crisis to the implementation of the new minimum wage.
“They know, and we know, that the money has been siphoned. To refund it is the problem. We are not asking for what is not ours. We only demand our rightful benefits. If they feel embarrassed, then they should come out and address us rather than use threats or force,” he declared.
The retired soldier alleged that several entitlements due to them, including parking allowance, advance payments, and outstanding four-month security deployment allowances, have not been paid.
He dismissed the DHQ’s order of vacation as unlawful.
“When you are in uniform, you are bound by both military and civil law. Once discharged, you are only under civil law. It is our right to protest,” Momodu said.
Momodu said he lost a kidney during his deployment in Borno State, adding that he spent heavily on drugs without support from the military.
“People don’t deserve this kind of treatment after giving their lives to the nation. Officers get flown abroad for treatment when injured, but ordinary soldiers are left behind to struggle.
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