Governor Diri Urges Better Welfare For Military

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, says the welfare of men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces should be prioritised, given their sacrifices for the country.

Speaking yesterday during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day interdenominational service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, Governor Diri stated that the armed forces deserve better welfare during and after their service to the country.

The governor decried a situation where retired military personnel go through harrowing conditions to get their pension and retirement benefits, saying some of them even die in the process.

He recalled how his former classmate, a retired military officer, died recently due to poor welfare, stressing that having put their lives on the line in the course of duty, they deserve the support and encouragement of Nigerians.

Diri, however, expressed delight that, under the current Federal Government, the situation was improving and called for greater sacrifices from the government at all levels and Nigerians in general.

He urged Nigerians to discontinue the practice of criticising the military and the government on social media at every given opportunity, saying what the military deserves is commendation for their selfless service.

His words: “The welfare of the military ought to be prioritised. Without the military, there is no country.

“The armed forces are an important part of the government. While we sleep, they are busy working to keep us safe.

Yet some people go online to insult them and the government.

“The sacrifices they make even lead to sacrificing their own lives. It is sad that upon retirement, some of them queue under the rain and sun waiting for retirement benefits, and some even die in the process. We need to change; we need to honour them.

“As a state, we have to be disciplined and orderly. Part of our problem as a country is the non-compliance with our laws. For the great armed forces, I salute you, your strength and cooperation with Bayelsa.”

The governor also implored serving military and police officers to be diligent and professional in their service so as not to discredit their agencies.

In a sermon, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion, Rev. Godspower Asingba, emphasised the need for Nigerians to pray for and encourage the military.

Asingba said military personnel work in an extremely harsh environment and struggle to enjoy a better life, and therefore deserve prayers.