The Morning Show: Retired Soldiers Argue To Recieve More Benefit | Arise Television

The Morning Show Review: Veterans’ Voices, Political Realities, and the Cost of Silence

In a compelling episode of The Morning Show: Retired Soldiers Argue To Receive More Benefit, Arise News anchors dissected the ongoing protest by Nigerian military veterans demanding overdue entitlements. 

The segment, rich in emotion and layered with political commentary, offered a panoramic view of the veterans’ grievances, the government's response, and broader reflections on loyalty, governance, and national priorities.

The retired soldiers, many of whom served under grueling conditions, are protesting the non-payment of allowances tied to the newly implemented minimum wage. Their argument hinges on the existence of two salary charts in 2024, which they claim unfairly excluded them from the updated benefits despite retiring within the qualifying period. The defense headquarters insists that payments were made based on the chart valid at the time of discharge, but the veterans counter with documented evidence suggesting otherwise. Their protest, staged at the Ministry of Finance, was met with orders to vacate the premises, raising questions about the state’s sensitivity to those who once defended it.

The show’s hosts passionately advocated for the veterans, emphasizing the moral obligation of the government to honor its promises. They highlighted the optics of a government that appears indifferent to its defenders while the president embarks on frequent international trips, often framed as “working vacations.” This juxtaposition, of neglected veterans and a globe-trotting leader, was not lost on the panel, who questioned the fiscal and symbolic implications of such choices.

Yet, amid the robust debate, several perspectives were notably absent. The voice of active-duty military personnel, who may fear similar treatment upon retirement, was missing. Their insights could have added urgency and solidarity to the veterans’ cause. Additionally, there was little discussion on the role of civil society and legal advocacy groups in mediating such disputes. The absence of a representative from the Ministry of Finance or Defense also left the government’s position unchallenged, reducing the opportunity for direct accountability.

The way forward demands a multi-pronged approach. First, future discussions should include stakeholders from all sides, retired and active military, government officials, legal experts, and civil society advocates. This would foster a more balanced and solution-oriented dialogue.

Second, there should be a push for institutional reforms that prevent such discrepancies in wage implementation, including transparent communication and grievance redress mechanisms.

Third, media platforms like Arise News should consider follow-up segments that track the outcomes of such protests, ensuring that public discourse translates into policy action.

Complementary coverage from “Retired Soldiers Protest At Ministry Of Finance Over Gratuity”, “Military Personnel Protest in Abuja Over Unpaid Benefits”, and “Ex-Servicemen Protest in Abuja Over Unpaid Army Benefits” reinforces the scale and persistence of the issue. Meanwhile, Military Retirees to Be Re-engaged for National Security introduces a potential policy pivot that could offer both employment and dignity to veterans, though it must not be used to deflect from the core issue of unpaid dues.

Ultimately, this episode of The Morning Show serves as a mirror to Nigeria’s political and moral landscape. It reminds viewers that loyalty, whether in politics or service, must be reciprocated, not just with words, but with justice.