From Kenechukwu Obiajuru, Yenagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has said that the welfare of men and officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces should be prioritised given their sacrifice to the country.
Speaking on Sunday 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 nation.
The Bayelsa 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.
He, however, expressed delight that under the current Federal Government, the situation was improving and called for greater sacrifices for the military from 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 was 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 government. While we sleep, they are busy working to keep us safe. Yet some people go on the Internet 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 under extremely harsh environment and struggle to enjoy a better life, and therefore deserve prayers.
Present at the service were the wife of the governor, Justice Patience Diri, the senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson, member representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Dr. Fred Agbedi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere and other state legislators as well as the Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye.
Also in attendance were two former deputy governors, Rt. Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and other members of the state executive council, service commanders, serving and retired military officers among others.
