The Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, on Sunday called on both federal and state governments to prioritise better welfare and medical support for ex-servicemen.
He made the appeal when he and his wife, Justice Patience Ama, led top government officials, service personnel, and residents to a church service in gratitude to God and in honour of men and officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. The service formed part of the activities marking the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
Diri expressed deep concern over the difficulties faced by retired military personnel in accessing their retirement benefits. He added that the situation was worsened by inadequate medical services for these veterans.
According to the governor, the sacrifices of servicemen were unmatched, driven by the nation’s call rather than personal gain. He emphasised that the armed forces constituted a unique sector.
“We all have our own professions; we dress as lawyers, doctors and teachers. Our professions lead to retirement just as the military does. We retire, go home, enjoy our retirement, and of course, since I came on board we have been paying a backlog of retirement benefits to retired workers under the state government,” he said.
Diri announced that, under his administration, service personnel retiring during his tenure would receive their retirement benefits promptly upon leaving service.
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“And as the preacher said, our retired men and officers will queue up under the rain and sun, waiting for that retirement benefit. Some of them even die in the process. No! Nigeria has to change. We cannot continue to have our senior citizens treated with dishonour… and so we have to honour them,” he added.
In attendance were Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Konbowei Friday Benson; Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr Fredrick Agbedi; Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye; former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Peremobowei Ebebi; immediate past Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Bayelsa State Elders Council, Retired Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah.
Others are President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Bayelsa State; members of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly; Executive Council members; Special and Technical Advisers; Chairman and members of the Nigerian Legion, Bayelsa State Chapter; Service Commanders; serving and retired military officers; Chairman of the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Council, King Bubaraye Dakolo; and other top government functionaries.
