Governor Seriake Dickson of
Bayelsa says the unity of Nigeria will not be negotiated and asked the military not to succumb to the antics of politicians who are fanning the embers of disunity.
Governor Dickson said it was imperative to call on all citizens to completely disregard the unpatriotic position which he described as satanic.
The Governor who spoke Wednesday in Yenagoa at the grand finale of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, argued that in spite of all the challenges the nation had encountered, it still remained resilient till date.
The governor was represented by his deputy, Retired Rear Admiral John Jonah in the occasion which was shunned by most of the commissioners and other aides, reiterated that the nation would continue to remain united and indivisible, praying that God would continue to give the legionnaires and all Nigerians the fortitude to bear the pains of the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers.
He said:”It is imperative for me to use this unique opportunity to remind the retired officers and men of the armed forces, that in spite of the fact that you have been retired from active service, some of you are still active enough to render useful services particularly in the area of maintaining peace and security in our various communities.”
According to the governor, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere devoid of peace, security and stability.
In an interview with our correspondent, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Lt. Col. Effiom Igirigi (Rtd.) appealed to the federal government to effect the full implementation payment of the 53 per cent military pensions owned legionnaires in the state to alleviate their plights.
Igirigi said government had been able to pay 30 per cent increase of the pension, while the balance of 20 per cent was yet to be paid to the retired personnel.
He said:”The major challenge we have is payment of military pensions. We want government to really wade into the issue. Even the Implementation is not complete. It is suppose to be 53 per cent, but we have been paid only 33 per cent. If they can make up the 20 per cent, the take home will be good. They should pay the arrears to alleviate the plight of the military pensioners.”
The highlights of the occasion was the inspection of guards of honour by the Deputy Governor and the laying of wreaths by commanders of different security forces in the state.