Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed deep concern over the plight of retired military personnel in Nigeria, calling for an urgent overhaul of the welfare and medical support systems for ex-servicemen.
Governor Diri made the call on Sunday during a church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.
The Governor, accompanied by his wife, Justice (Mrs.) Patience Ama Diri, led top government officials and service commanders to honour the sacrifices of the nation’s fallen heroes and living veterans.
Speaking at the service, Diri lamented the harrowing experiences of retired officers who often struggle to access their retirement benefits.
He described the situation as a national embarrassment that dishonours the unique sacrifices made by the military.
“The sacrifices they make are unlike any other. In our professions whether as lawyers, doctors, or teachers we retire to enjoy our rest. But for the military, the profession involves the potential sacrifice of life itself. It is the only sector that demands the ultimate price,” Diri stated.
He criticised the bureaucratic bottlenecks that leave veterans queuing under harsh conditions for their entitlements.
“As the preacher noted, our retired men and officers often queue in the rain and sun waiting for benefits, and some even die in the process. This has to change. Nigeria cannot continue to dishonour its senior citizens in this manner,” he added.
The Governor contrasted this national challenge with his administration’s policy, noting that under his watch, retired workers in Bayelsa State receive their benefits immediately upon retirement, while the backlog inherited from previous administrations is being systematically cleared.
The service was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Konbowei Friday Benson; the Member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr. Fredrick Agbedi; and the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere.
Also present were the State Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Abrakasa Ayemieye; the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Elders Council, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (Rtd); King Bubaraye Dakolo, Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, alongside members of the state executive council and the Nigerian Legion.