REJOINDER TO THE PRESS STATEMENT BY AREWA YOUTH ASSEMBLY FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP (AYAGL) _On Matters Relating to the Military Pensions Board (MPB)

REJOINDER TO THE PRESS STATEMENT BY AREWA YOUTH ASSEMBLY FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP (AYAGL)  

_On Matters Relating to the Military Pensions Board (MPB)_

*1. Background & Trigger*  

Concerned stakeholders, particularly veterans of the Nigerian Armed Forces, have noted the recent press statement by AYAGL on the leadership of the Military Pensions Board. Though AYAGL withdrew its earlier position, its new statement raises fundamental questions of credibility, accountability, and institutional integrity.

*2. Questions on AYAGL’s Mandate & Competence*  

a. What informed AYAGL’s fact-finding mission to the MPB?  

b. Who authorized or mandated AYAGL to engage the MPB?  

c. What institutional role qualifies AYAGL to inquire into a specialized military pension body?  

d. What professional competence does AYAGL possess in military pension administration?  

*Position:* 

The MPB is a specialized institution for retired personnel. Engagements must reflect expertise, responsibility, and respect for institutional boundaries.

*3. Concerns Over AYAGL’s Reversal*  

a. Why were facts not verified before AYAGL’s earlier public criticism?  

b. What new evidence justified the sudden turnaround?  

c. This suggests reactive advocacy, not informed engagement.  

d. Who influenced or sponsored AYAGL’s initial position, and what interests were advanced?  

e. Having admitted poor verification, were they pressured to retract? If so, by whom and why?

*4. Due Process & Jurisdiction*  

The matter is reportedly before the EFCC and a court of competent jurisdiction. It is not the role of a regional/youth group to mount public defense or prosecution.  

*Question:* On whose behalf is AYAGL attempting to shape public opinion on a matter under due process?

*5. Veterans’ Stance: Principles, Not Personalities*  

a. Veterans are not advocating for any individual. The current MPB Chairman will also become a veteran.  

b. The issue is principle, structure, and representation  not personalities.  

c. *Core demand:* Affairs of veterans across all services and in the Ministry of Defence should be managed by individuals drawn from the veterans community.  

*Rationale:* 

Only those who have served understand retirement transition, delayed entitlements, healthcare challenges, and post-service welfare gaps. 

He who wears the shoe knows where it pinches.

*6. Global Best Practices Cited*  

Veteran affairs are best managed by veterans. Examples:  

a. USA: Department of Veterans Affairs  leadership rooted in military experience.  

b. UK: Office for Veterans Affairs  veterans’ voices central to policy.  

c. Pakistan: Fauji Foundation driven by retired military personnel.  

d. South Africa: Department of Military Veterans 

strong veteran representation.  

e. *India & Canada:* Veteran ministries rely on former service members.  

*Conclusion:* International practice confirms veterans should manage veterans’ affairs.

*7. Message to Serving Personnel*  

Those dismissing these concerns should note: if global best practices are ignored today, the reality of retirement will bring clarity. 

This is foresight, not confrontation.

*8. Respect for Presidential Authority*  

a. Appointment of MPB leadership is the exclusive prerogative of the C-in-C, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, if he so wish may request the advice of HMoD, 

b. The President has unquestionable right to appoint based on national interest, competence, and strategy.  

c. However, national interest demands appointments reflect stakeholder realities, particularly veterans’.

*9. Institutional Precedents*  

The National Hydrographic Agency of Nigeria shows retired officers can be retained in leadership where continuity and expertise are required.

*10. Concerns About AYAGL’s Role & Priorities*  

a. Many stakeholders are hearing of AYAGL for the first time, now that MPB is involved.  

b. Where has AYAGL been on pressing security issues  troop deployment, equipment, welfare in theatres of operation?  

c. Instead, AYAGL is dabbling in a matter before investigative and judicial authorities, seeking to shape public opinion.

*11. Conclusion*  

a. The issue is not about individuals but principle, representation, and institutional integrity.  

b. Veterans advocate for a system that understands and represents them, not for personalities.  

c. Public discourse must be responsible, informed, and respectful of due process.  

d. Welfare of those who served must remain paramount, guided by experience, dignity, and globally accepted best practices.

Mamman Danjuma for veterans care forum.