By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Northern Security Advocacy Group (NSAG) has alleged a coordinated and sponsored campaign against the Chairman of the Military Pension Board (MPB), AVM Mikail Abdulraheem.
The group also declared support for the ongoing reforms in the administration of military pensions and gratuities.
Addressing a news conference in Abuja on Wednesday, the Speaker of NSAG, Jonathan Onoja, said the forum was convened to condemn what he described as a sustained attempt to discredit the leadership of the MPB.
Onoja alleged that the campaign was being driven by some retired senior military officers, aimed at distracting attention from ongoing reforms within the pension system.
He said Abdulraheem had since assuming office, introduced reforms, including faster and more transparent payment of pensions and gratuities, which, he said said had directly improved the welfare of retired military personnel.
According to him, the introduction of a digital verification system has strengthened accountability by eliminating fraudulent claims and ensuring that only verified veterans are captured in the payment structure.
Onoja added that the reforms have also reduced administrative bottlenecks, making it easier for elderly veterans to access their entitlements without unnecessary delays.
On the appointment of the board chairman, he said the presidency was misled by some vested interests, adding that a retired military officer could not be appointed into the office in line with the act that established the board.
Onoja urged the media to engage in investigative journalism where necessary, but cautioned against unverified reports that could misrepresent institutional processes.
Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the group, Dr. Steve Okwori, reinforced the position, describing the reforms as commendable and impactful.
Okwori noted that the pension system now reflects greater transparency and efficiency, stressing that the introduction of digital verification has helped eliminate “ghost beneficiaries” and improved data integrity within the system.
He further explained that the reduction in bureaucratic processes had eased the burden on aged retirees, many of whom previously experienced delays in accessing their benefits.
“These veterans gave their all to the nation, and it is only right that they benefit from the sacrifices they made,” he said.
The group passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Abdulraheem, urging stakeholders, security agencies, and the media to disregard what it described as sponsored narratives aimed at undermining reforms.
According to them, the board under the current leadership is working effectively and should be allowed to continue its reform agenda in the interest of veterans nationwide. (NAN)
