While the agitation of the Indigenous People of Biafra continues, the Nigerian Government has approved the payment of gratuity and emolument of 102 ex-Biafran soldiers who were granted Presidential pardon by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Major General Bashir Magashi (Rtd), the Minister of Defence, announced this at Army War College Abuja on Friday at the ministerial briefing to flag off the 2022 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration.
According to him, although most of the personnel involved in the war are no longer alive, only 102 war veterans are selected. He explained that those who are still alive with genuine complaints among the Biafran soldiers will be attended to in due time.
Magashi said: “It will interest you to know that the Military Pension Board just concluded the documentation of ex-Biafran service personnel totalling 102 who were pardoned by Mr President.”
”The war ended 51 years ago and many of those involved are no more alive but those with genuine complaints can come forward with their claims for consideration.”
”In line with the anti-corruption stand of the present administration, the Ministry of Defence in conjunction with the Military Pension Board conducts regular verification exercise for Military pensioners. The exercise is intended to streamline and check leakages in the system.
”The Ministry would continue to engage the pensioners through relevant organs like the Nigerian Legion, the Veteran Affairs Division and the Military Pension Board to ensure that Government obligations to them are met.”
