MPB Chairman Urged Media To Verify Reports, Calls For United Veterans Voice
Retired military personnel need a stronger collective voice to influence pension policies and protect their welfare, the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, has said.
He has also urged journalists to verify allegations against the board before publication, warning that unsubstantiated reports could erode public confidence in an institution responsible for the welfare of military retirees.
Abdulraheem spoke when members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN), led by its President, Comrade Odita Sunday, visited him in Abuja.
He called on veterans to unite under a common umbrella, arguing that a fragmented association weaken their ability to press for better pensions and welfare packages.
“Veterans should form a very strong, cohesive body that can speak with one voice,” he said, adding that a united body could engage political leaders and presidential aspirants on issues affecting retired servicemen and women.
On media coverage, the MPB chairman urged journalists to seek clarification from the board before publishing negative reports, assuring them that its management was open to questions.
He said protecting the board’s credibility was important not only for current retirees but also for serving personnel who would depend on it after leaving the military.
Earlier, Sunday urged the board to intensify public awareness of pension laws, entitlements and retirement procedures among serving personnel and veterans.
He said better knowledge of pension regulations would help prevent avoidable disputes, misunderstandings and protests, while enabling retirees to understand their rights and the appropriate channels for resolving complaints.
The DECAN president pledged the association’s continued cooperation with the board to improve public understanding of military pension administration and promote the welfare of retired personnel.
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