PUNCH
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, has appealed to retired military officers to be patient with the Federal Government in the effort to pay their Security Debarment Allowance.
According to him, those who retired before the law was implemented were not qualified to be paid the allowance, adding that it took the magnanimity of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), to review the law.
He said rather than make negative comments on the delay of the payment, the president deserved commendation.
Irabor spoke at the 42nd Anniversary Dinner of the Nigerian Defence Academy 28 Regular Course Welfare Association on Saturday night in Abuja.
He said, “There are a few toxic comments made on the SDA which I believe were misrepresented. While I must appreciate those of you here for changing the perspective of those making these comments, perhaps those making these comments need to go to their creator to seek forgiveness.
“The reason I say this is that the policy that brought this to being was signed in November 2017 and the provision made therein to cater to those who retired from that day onward. It took the magnanimity of the President through the minister to look at it again and approved that everyone who once served in the military should be catered for. I believe that is legendary and commendable.
