By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Chairman of the Military Pensions Board (MPB), Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, has urged journalists to verify allegations against the board before publication, warning that unsubstantiated reports could undermine public confidence in the institution and the welfare of military retirees.
He also called on military veterans to unite under a common umbrella to strengthen their collective voice and influence government policies on pensions and other welfare matters.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the executive of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) to his office in Abuja, DECAN President, Comrade Odita Sunday, urged the board to intensify public sensitisation on pension laws and entitlements to prevent disputes and misunderstandings among serving personnel and retirees.
Abdulraheem urged journalists to seek clarification from the board whenever they receive negative reports about its operations, assuring them that the management was willing to provide relevant information.
“Any time you hear something negative about the board, please never be in a hurry to publish. Verify from the board, and we are ready to speak to you,” he said.
He stressed that responsible reporting was essential to protecting the board’s credibility and safeguarding the interests of serving personnel who would eventually retire.
“Continue to provide credible information about the board, because if people destroy this board, then they are going to destroy the hopes and aspirations of those who are coming behind,” he said.
The MPB chairman urged journalists to remain professional and objective in their coverage, noting that constructive engagement between the media and the board would help address misconceptions and improve public understanding of military pension administration.
On veterans’ unity, Abdulraheem said the fragmentation of veterans’ associations weakened their ability to present common demands and engage effectively with the government.
He argued that a united veterans’ body could become a formidable pressure group capable of influencing decisions on pensions, welfare and other issues affecting retired military personnel.
“Veterans should form a very strong, cohesive body that can speak with one voice,” he said, adding that political leaders and presidential aspirants should consult veterans, particularly during election periods.
According to him, a united veterans’ community could mobilise its collective strength to draw attention to the concerns of retired servicemen and women and ensure that their interests received adequate consideration in public policy decisions.
Abdulraheem also emphasised the importance of constructive criticism, noting that the advice and observations of colleagues had helped him improve his leadership and performance.
He expressed appreciation to the DECAN delegation for the recognition and goodwill extended to him, saying such gestures encouraged him to sustain his commitment to effective leadership and service.
The chairman further called on Nigerians to protect national unity and address the country’s challenges through constructive engagement and responsible leadership.
Earlier, Sunday commended Abdulraheem for his leadership in handling issues affecting military veterans.
He, however, stressed the need for the board to educate serving personnel and retirees on pension regulations, entitlements and the procedures for resolving complaints.
According to him, improved awareness of pension laws and retirement benefits would help prevent avoidable disputes, misunderstandings and protests by veterans.
The DECAN president said personnel should be adequately informed about the pension system before retirement to enable them to make informed decisions and understand their rights and obligations.
He assured the MPB chairman of the association’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the board in the interest of national development and the welfare of military retirees.
