Biafra veterans: The war is over, we are one Nigeria forever

Matthew Udeh, president of the Association of Retired War Affected Police Officers (ARWAPO), says the Biafran war “is over forever”.

Speaking at an occasion on Tuesday, Udeh said the country was one and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his “forthrightness and believing in one Nigeria”.

The president had recently approved the pension of the Biafran police officers.

Reacting to the gesture, Udeh said God would bless Buhari for looking at the country as one indivisible entity.

“We believe we are all one, one Nigeria forever. The war is over and over forever. God will continue to bless President Muhammadu Buhari for looking at the nation as one indivisible entity,” Udeh said.
“I feel fulfilled today. The whole ARWAPO members are full of gratitude to Mr President for hearing our cry for over 40 years and running.”

Sharon Ikeazor, executive secretary of pension transitional arrangement directorate (PTAD), said the decision of the government to pay their pension showed that Buhari is a father to Nigerians.

“This represents another decision by the current Federal Government to bring closure to the painful legacies of the civil war, and indeed a clear demonstrate that President Muhammadu Buhari is indeed a father to all Nigerians,” Ikeazor said.

“His (Mr President) administration’s reforms under the PTAD will ensure that Nigerians who spent the productive years of their lives serving their nation will not experience difficulties in getting their pensions.

“The others, 155 who are on payroll but were being short paid would be paid in the next batch as soon as their pension benefit computation is concluded.”

On his part, Fidelis Oyakhilome, president of the association of retired police officers of Nigeria, appreciated Buhari for granting the approval to pay their pension.

“I must commend ARWAPO members for their patience, endurance and perseverance all these years and as well thank Mr President, President Muhammadu Buhari, for making this possible,” he said.