Military pensioners storm National Assembly
Many military pensioners yesterday stormed the National Assembly complex, Abuja to protest non-payment of their pension entitlements.
The pensioners, who thronged the main entrance of the complex as early as 9.00 a.m, insisted that they would not leave until their demands were met.
Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved pensioners, Sgt. Ibrahim Jitare (rtd), said they had served the nation diligently and should not be treated as outcasts.
He said many of them fought the civil wars with prominent Nigerian Generals, who had been paid their entitlements.
Jitare said efforts to get their money paid had been in vain as they were tossed around by the Directorate of Military Pensions.
He said they were at the National Assembly to plead with the lawmakers to intervene because some of them were now elder statesmen.
Some of the pensioners, he said, had died of old age and ailments as they awaited their entitlements.
Attempt to gain entrance into the complex by the protesters was rebuffed by security agents but their representatives were allowed to meet with the leadership of the Assembly.
The two chambers are currently on recess and will resume on January 16.