By Abdul Lauya
Eye Reporters wishes to correct an earlier story captioned “Veterans Outraged As FG Reneges Arrears Promise Again.”
Contrary to that report, the Military Pensions Board (MPB) has confirmed that the January and February 2025 arrears of minimum wage adjustments have been paid.
This confirmation was given this morning by the Chairman of the MPB, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, during an exclusive interview with Eye Reporters in Abuja.
He clarified that the payments were made in two separate tranches due to different mandates issued to the banks.
As of the evening of Friday, June 13, more than 50% of military pensioners on the MPB payroll had received both payments.
AVM Irumheson who expressed displeasure over the Eye Reporters’ earlier publication which was based on incomplete payment data at the time, said:
“How can I lie or deceive the veterans community when myself will join them soon.”
In a chat monitored by Eye Reporters on various Veterans Facebook platforms, many veterans have confirmed receipt of the two months arrears in two alerts.
Umar Iliyasu Alheri wrote, “Fcmb first and second month alert green.”
Another veteran, Sylvester Vontau, confirmed, “First Bank second phase have been paid.”
Comrade Hamlet O. Chinedu, popularly known as HOC, simply noted, “Many veterans have confirmed receiving both Jan & Feb shortfalls.”
Meanwhile, Col Azubuike (Rtd), popularly known as Col Nass, had earlier raised concerns on behalf of veterans regarding other sundry outstanding payments.
Col Nass told Eye Reporters that though arrears issue has now been resolved, other welfare issues remain outstanding.
Among these welfare according to him, are long-overdue palliative payments, the implementation of a new SDA template, and reforms within the veterans’ central body structure.
Col Nass reiterated the need for peaceful protests and engagement with key ministries, including Humanitarian Affairs, Defence, and the National Assembly.
Eye Reporters hereby takes full responsibility for the confusion and commits to more accurate, verified reporting going forward.
