Retired soldiers from the Coalition of Concerned Veterans (CCV) are protesting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demanding the payment of a 20% and 28% salary increment that has been pending for 11 months. The protesters have stated that they will not leave the gate of the Federal Ministry of Finance until they receive credit alerts confirming payment. According to Fusion Chronicle Reporters, the demonstrators stayed overnight and brought chains and padlocks to secure the gate.
Fusion Chronicle Reporters had also reported that the ex-servicemen who shut down activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance with music, displayed banners and carried different placards and inscriptions on Wednesday.
Among other demands by the retired military officers are the non-payment of their palliatives and its arrears from October 2023 to November 2024.
The protesters also highlighted others as bulk SDA payments with new template regardless of retirement year, VFN bill to be reviewed and passed in line with global best practice and many others.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, who addressed the veterans on Wednesday night said the issue would be brought to an end as soon as possible.
The Minister promised to pay them 50% of our 20/28 and 320000, minimum wage. While other entitlement will be discuss on Thursday morning.
“Our veterans that have served this nation so well, I salute you and I salute your steadfastness. I am not happy about the condition that has kept you here since morning and you are still here, it’s not a thing of joy and it doesn’t give us a feeling of contentment. I found it alarming, discomforting. It’s something I will like to bring to an end as soon as possible,” he added.
However, one of the protesters told Fusion Chronicle Reporters that “We won’t leave the Federal Ministry of Finance gate except we see credit alerts. We have already bought chains and padlocks and we would lock the gate by tomorrow morning.”
