Photo caption: Defence Headquarters
The Federal Government is set to withdraw the contentious Veteran Federation of Nigeria Bill following strong objections from military retirees on many of its provisions.
The retirees had warned of potential protests if the government proceeded to present the bill to the National Assembly without addressing their concerns.
Since conception, the bill, which was sent to the Defence Headquarters and the Ministry of Justice, has been criticised for several contentious clauses, particularly those related to rank-based appointments.
Confirming the planned withdrawal in an interview with Saturday PUNCH on Friday, the Secretary of the Coalition of Concerned Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, disclosed that the decision was reached after a meeting with the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Defence earlier this week.
“Based on the meeting we held with the Permanent Secretary on Monday, he assured us that the bill would be withdrawn. A ratification committee will be inaugurated, which will include staff from the Ministry of Defence, members of the National Assembly, representatives from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, and veterans,” he said.
The committee’s mandates, according to Durowaiye-Herberts, include reviewing and correcting contentious sections of the bill, ensuring leadership positions within the veterans’ structure are democratically elected, and presenting the revised bill to the National Assembly for deliberation and approval.
Durowaiye-Herberts added, “Although the permanent secretary told us that the process might not be finalised before the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, he assured stakeholders that the committee’s work would be completed by the end of the month.
“Veterans have expressed cautious optimism about the committee’s work, emphasising the importance of transparency and timely results. We are hopeful that this process will address our grievances and establish a structure that truly represents our interests.”
Efforts to get a comment from the Ministry of Defence’s spokesperson, Henshaw Ogbuike, proved abortive, as he did not pick up calls to his line and was yet to respond to a message sent to him.
