Posted by By EMMANUEL OGOIGBE, Warri on
National Association of Military Pensioners has petitioned the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged disappearance of their eight months pension and to also bring to justice those behind the saga.
National Association of Military Pensioners has petitioned the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged disappearance of their eight months pension and to also bring to justice those behind the saga.
Comrade Benson Eromafuru, National President of the association who signed the petition and made available to newsmen in Warri, noted with disgust the unnecessary delay being applied by the authorities charged with the responsibility of paying out money to pensioners.
In the petition copies of which were addressed to Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Dr Rabiu Kwankwanso and Dr (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Defence and Finance respectively, the body wants the people withholding their money to be exposed and tried for fraudulent practices.
They asked both the Defence and Finance Ministers to wade into the matter and ensure the money is released and disbursed to Group Captain G.C. Katchico, Chairman, Military Pension Board, Abuja who will in turn pay the pensioners without delay.
"We plead with the EFCC Chairman to use his sledge hammer against corruption on those who stole this money that cannot be found up till date.
Anybody, no matter how highly placed should be arrested and brought to book to defend the crime committed against humanity and there should be no sacred cow," said the association helmsman and wondered why such perceived criminals are still allowed to walk freely in the streets unmolested.
The association warned that if their stolen money was not released before the end of this month, they will embark on a massive protest to Abuja to redress the ugly situation, adding that bribery and corruption that has eaten deep into the fabric of the society must be tackled once and for all.
They however warned some members whose actions tend to sabotage their efforts in making life more meaningful, explaining that all hands must be on deck to fight this injustice and oppression adding, "we have suffered enough for our country and any attempt to treat us like slaves will be highly restricted."