CSO Urges Tinubu To Intervene In Military Pension Board Crisis

The Security and Public Affairs Analysts Forum has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what it described as the deprivation of the newly appointed Chairman of the Military Pension Board, retired Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu, from assuming office.

In a press release signed by its Head of Investigation, Olasunkanmi Olaniyi, the forum said Adamu, who was appointed alongside other officials, is the only appointee yet to resume duty after allegedly being denied access to the office by the board’s authorities.

The group urged the President, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to ensure that the retired Air Vice Marshal resumes duty, noting that the situation may have occurred without his knowledge.

It also commended the President for dedicating his salary to members of the armed forces and for the measures taken to tackle insecurity.

Providing historical context, the forum stated that the Military Pension Board had previously been headed by civilians, including Mr J.A. Awosika (1975–1976), Mr Onoche (1976–1977), Mr Fakumoju (1977–1978), and Mr D. Usman (1978–1979).

The group said that if the alleged position that only serving military officers should head the board, based on a rotational arrangement among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, such a stance would be inconsistent with existing precedents.

It cited instances in which retired military officers have headed other paramilitary agencies, including the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the Federal Fire Service Board.

It also referenced the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, during which retired Colonel Hameed Ali served as Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service.

The forum further noted that Air Vice Marshal Adamu had previously served as head of the Military Pension Board for three months, during which he reportedly received applause from officers and men.

Describing him as a trained Air Force finance officer who has performed well in the line of duty, the group said his appointment was duly approved by the President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, with commendation letters from the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Ministry of Defence.

“It is very possible Mr President is not aware of this development, which is why we are appealing to him to intervene. Competence exceeds personal interests,” the statement said.

The forum added that following Adamu’s appointment, groups from his zone, including the Northeast Development Association, the Arewa Youth Assembly, and other elders, had held press conferences to commend the President for the decision.

It reiterated its call for urgent presidential intervention to resolve the situation and allow the appointed chairman to assume office.