Don’t abandon family of deceased soldiers – CCSON urges FG

Ini Billie, Uyo

The federal government has been urged to increase the welfare package of Nigerian soldiers and ensure the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities to retired soldiers.

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (CCSON) called on the government not to abandon the families of deceased soldiers.

Speaking on Thursday during a press conference in Uyo, the National Coordinator of CCSON, Otuekong Franklyn Isong, saluted Nigerian soldiers for sacrificing their lives to protect the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“CCSON urges the Federal Government of Nigeria to improve the welfare packages of Nigerian soldiers, ensure that the families of those who laid down their lives are not abandoned, take care of the welfare of retired soldiers, and ensure prompt payment of their pension and gratuities,” he said.

Isong further called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to implement the judgment of the Supreme Court on the financial autonomy granted to the 774 local government areas to ensure proper governance and development at the grassroots.

“CCSON urges the Chairmen of the 774 Local Government Councils to use their councils’ funds judiciously on people-oriented programmes and projects in their councils and be accountable to their people at the grassroots level,” he said.

The national coordinator called on State Governors to restructure and strengthen governance in their states by realigning their administrations with evolving priorities.

He explained that introducing fresh perspectives into leadership would enhance governance, improve service delivery, and ensure that qualified individuals are the ones who occupy key and sensitive positions in their states.