Odita Sunday 
Group Alleges Sponsored Campaign Against Military Pension Board Chairman, Backs Ongoing Reforms
By Odita Sunday
The Northern Security Advocacy Group (NSAG) has alleged a coordinated and sponsored campaign aimed at discrediting the Chairman of the Military Pension Board (MPB), Mikail Abdulraheem, even as it expressed strong support for ongoing reforms in the administration of military pensions.
The group made the allegations on Wednesday in Abuja during a press conference addressed by its Speaker, Jonathan Onoja, who said the forum was convened to draw attention to what it described as a sustained attempt to undermine the leadership of the Board at a time when significant reforms are being implemented.
Onoja alleged that the campaign was being driven by some disgruntled retired senior military officers, who he said were uncomfortable with the ongoing changes in the pension system.
“This campaign is clearly targeted at distracting attention from the reforms being implemented at the Military Pension Board. It is unfortunate that some individuals would seek to undermine progress for personal interests,” he said.
He maintained that since assuming office, Abdulraheem had introduced a number of reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and accountability in the payment of pensions and gratuities to retired military personnel.
According to him, one of the key reforms introduced by the Board is the digital verification system, which he said has significantly strengthened accountability by eliminating fraudulent claims and ensuring that only verified beneficiaries are captured within the payment structure.
“The introduction of digital verification has helped to block leakages, eliminate ghost beneficiaries and ensure that payments are made only to legitimate veterans. This is a major step forward in restoring confidence in the system,” Onoja stated.
He added that the reforms have also reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks that previously delayed payments, noting that elderly retirees now have easier access to their entitlements without undue stress.
Onoja, however, raised concerns over attempts to politicise the leadership of the Board, alleging that some vested interests had sought to mislead the presidency on issues relating to appointments.
He argued that the enabling law guiding the Board does not support the appointment of certain categories of individuals, insisting that due process must be followed in all institutional matters.
While calling on the media to uphold professionalism, he urged journalists to prioritise investigative reporting but cautioned against the dissemination of unverified claims capable of distorting public perception.
Also speaking, Deputy Speaker of the group, Steve Okwori, reinforced the position of the organisation, describing the reforms under Abdulraheem as impactful and necessary for the sustainability of the pension system.
Okwori said the ongoing changes have enhanced transparency and improved data integrity within the system, particularly through the elimination of ghost beneficiaries.
“The pension system now reflects greater transparency and efficiency. The reforms have reduced delays and ensured that retirees can access their benefits with less difficulty,” he said.
He further stressed that the welfare of retired military personnel must remain a national priority, given their sacrifices in service to the country.
“These veterans gave their all to the nation, and it is only right that they benefit from the sacrifices they made,” he added.
The group subsequently passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Abdulraheem, urging stakeholders, security agencies and the media to disregard what it described as sponsored narratives aimed at undermining ongoing reforms.
According to NSAG, the Military Pension Board under its current leadership is making measurable progress and should be supported to consolidate its reform agenda in the interest of veterans across the country.
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