Personnel - News Agency Of Nigeria

Philip Daniel Yatai
Aug, Fri, 2025

Tinubu committed to veteran’s welfare – MPB Chairman

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chairman, Military Pensions Board (MPB), AVM Abubakar Adamu, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu and the board to inclusive leadership and improved welfare for retired service personnel.

Adamu gave the assurance on Thursday, at an interactive session with the military veterans in Abuja.

He commended the Federal Government for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners, especially through prompt pension payments and release of salary increments.

The chairman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to meet with veterans, describing it as “an honour to host those who laid the foundation for today’s Armed Forces.”

He emphasised that his leadership style would be collaborative and transparent, with an open-door policy to engage with all veteran associations across the federation.

He noted that the session marked his first full month in office.

“I believe no one has a monopoly of knowledge. With your advice, support, and cooperation, we can move the Board to a greater height.

“We are here because of you. Without veterans, there is no Board,” he said.

Adamu acknowledged ongoing challenges and urged veterans to voice their concerns freely, assuring attendees that concerns beyond the board’s purview would be escalated to the appropriate authorities.

He also praised the support of the Minister of Defence, noting his responsiveness to veteran-related matters.

In his comment, retired Air Commodore Isaac Oguntuyi, Chairman, Ministry of Defence Veteran Welfare Committee, lauded the initiative, describing it as the first of its kind in over three years.

Oguntuyi called for frank discussions and unity among veterans, particularly in light of the upcoming Veterans Federation of Nigeria (VFN) meeting.

“This is our chance to set the agenda, not just for the Board but for ourselves as veteran associations,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the session included participation from key veteran groups and board directors.

Several complaints, submissions and suggestions were made during the interaction, where the chairman promised to look into, with a view to addressing them. (NAN)

Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

COAS backs Early Voting Bill for military, security personnel

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jun, Thu, 2025

Defence/Security

COAS backs Early Voting Bill for military, security personnel

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede has declared his support for the early voting bill introduced by the Senate for military and security personnel deployed during elections.

Oluyede expressed the support of the army for the bill at a meeting with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (APC-Katsina state) in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that the job of the army on Election Day in collaboration with sister security agencies, was to create an enabling environment for Nigerians to exercise their franchise freely.

According to him, the army has been doing very well in support of the lead agency which is the Police and they have not had time to exercise their own franchise.

“The bill is actually long overdue, it is a laudable effort by the senator and we appreciate you; you have all our support for all the bills.

“As an army, we will support you as much as possible and for the programmes you have highly noted, be sure we will be well represented,” he said.

The chief, however, urged the crafters of the legislation to put measures in place to avoid impersonation and to enhance communication among security agencies and other essential workers.

He commended the senator for all the support for the army and the legislative support

Earlier, Yar’Adua said that the aim of the visit was to solicit the support of the army for three bills currently under consideration in the National Assembly.

He said that the bills generally seek to strengthen the army forces and deepen its democratic participation in the country.

“The bills are, the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the Arm Forces Trust Fund Amendment Bill and the Arm Forces Act Repeal and Reenactment Bill.

“I am here basically to seek your support and the partnership in the passage of the bills,” he said.

The senator said that the Electoral Act Amendment Bill was necessary to address the number of eligible Nigerians that are disenfranchised because of essential duties.

According to him, we have close to two million Nigerians who work on election day from the military, INEC staff, Ad hoc staff, NYSC corps members, security agents, journalists and election observers.

Yar’Adua recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the Nigerian Army deployed 95 per cent of its personnel for election related security issues.

He said that together with the Department of State Security (DSS) the military deployed 93,495 personnel.

The lawmaker said that the police deployed 310,973 personnel, the NYSC deployed 200,000 corps members while the National Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) deployed 81,000 personnel.

He said the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) deployed 21,000 personnel, the Nigerian Correctional Centre (NCC) deployed 11,336 officers, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) deployed 350 operatives while National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) deployed 9,447 personnel.

Yar’Adua said that when the numbers are put together and added to the number of election observers, it would be enough to determine the outcome of an election.

He said that the wide disenfranchisement raised concerns given the declining voter turnout saying that in 2015, voter turnout was 4.7 per cent, in 2019 it dropped 34.7 per cent and in 2023, 27. 3 per cent.

“To allow early voting for military personnel , it is not only a matter of fairness, it is a necessary step to restore confidence, engage young Nigerians and uphold the principle that says those who defend our democracy should not be excluded from it.

“I wish to encourage the Nigerian Army to collaborate with INEC in identifying eligible personnel to vote,” he said.

On his part, the Coordinator, Centre for Legislative Engagement, YIAGA-Africa, Dr Sam Ogwuche said that the bill was apt and timely.

He said that election is the hallmark of democracy and all Nigerians should be able to vote as it is a civic responsibility.

He said that YIAGA-Africa and many other stakeholders at the forefront of canvassing for increased citizen participation were in support of the bill. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza