Defence Minister reacts to Pensioners’ Accusation

Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi, Rtd, has responded to accusation by Coalition of Concern Veterans (CCV) that he is in-sensitive to their plight, assuring to interface with them to find amicable resolution to their concerns. His reaction followed allegations that he has persistently shown lack of interest in the suffering of its members since his assumption of office as minister.

General Magashi said that the notion and perception by the pensioners that he is not sensitive to their request and demand, as well as willing to see them is not true. The Special Assistant to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Mr Abdulkadir Muhammad said that the Minister is responding appropriately and adequately to the request of pensioners.

While noting that the Minister acknowledges receipt of their letters requesting audience with him, Abdulkadir said that the Minister has put in place all the necessary mechanism to look into the demand of the pensioners not withstanding his busy schedule. He said the Minister has started discussion with relevant military agencies to find amicable resolution to their demands.

The Special Assistant said, “Another opinion that relevant authorities are unwilling to look into their plight is also incorrect. They should not forget that the Minister is also one of them and would do everything within his power and means to make live comfortable for them. General Magashi identifies with their yearning and aspiration. Whatever challenges they are facing also affect him as a pensioner.”

The Coalition of Concern Veterans (CCV) have threatened to shot down the country in protest to drive home its demand, effect from first week of August, 2020.