By Nkechi Eze
The Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership (AYAGL) has withdrawn its earlier criticism of the leadership of the Nigerian Military Pensions Board and declared support for the current Chairman, Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem, following what it described as extensive consultations and fact-finding engagements.
In a statement signed by its President, Abdul Danbature, the group said its previous comments questioning the leadership of the Board were made without sufficient verification of facts and therefore required clarification to the Nigerian public.
Danbature explained that after conducting independent inquiries and engagements with relevant stakeholders, the organization discovered that several reforms and administrative improvements had been introduced under the leadership of Abdulraheem at the Military Pensions Board.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at strengthening transparency in pension administration, improving processes related to the management and disbursement of military pensions, and enhancing the welfare and dignity of retired personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces who served the nation.
The group noted that the ongoing changes at the Board reflect a leadership that is committed to institutional reforms and improved service delivery to retired military officers and personnel.
Danbature said, “Following extensive consultations, fact-finding engagements and independent inquiries, we have come to the conclusion that our earlier criticism of the leadership of Air Vice Marshal Mikail Abdulraheem was not based on sufficient verification of facts. For this reason, the Arewa Youth Assembly for Good Leadership hereby formally withdraws our previous statements and offers our sincere clarification to the Nigerian public.”
He added that Abdulraheem has demonstrated commitment and leadership in driving ongoing reforms within the Military Pensions Board and therefore deserves recognition rather than what he described as unnecessary attacks or misinformation.
The group also addressed the controversy surrounding the purported appointment being circulated in the name of Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu, noting that the issue has created confusion in the public domain.
According to AYAGL, information gathered during its consultations indicated that the matter requires proper clarification by the appropriate authorities.
The organization therefore called on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and relevant security agencies to investigate the claims surrounding the alleged appointment and any attempts to misrepresent official government decisions.
Danbature said such an investigation would help protect the integrity of public institutions and prevent the spread of misinformation capable of undermining public trust.
The group also urged youths in Northern Nigeria and members of the public not to allow themselves to be used for political manipulation, blackmail or personal interests aimed at discrediting institutions working for national progress.
AYAGL reaffirmed its support for the leadership of the Military Pensions Board under Abdulraheem and encouraged the continuation of reforms designed to strengthen the welfare and benefits of retired members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
The organization further reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, accountability and constructive engagement in national affairs.
