Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has called for the welfare of Nigeria’s armed forces to be prioritised, citing the risks they take in defending the country and the hardship many face after retirement.
Speaking on Sunday at the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day interdenominational service held at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa, Diri said serving and retired military personnel deserved stronger institutional support during and after their years of service.
He criticised the difficulties some retired officers encounter while accessing pensions and other entitlements, describing the situation as unacceptable.
The governor said he was personally affected by the recent death of a former classmate who was a retired military officer, attributing it to poor welfare conditions.
According to him, those who had risked their lives for national security should not be subjected to hardship in retirement, adding that the country owed them dignity and care.
While noting that conditions were beginning to improve under the current Federal Government, Diri urged governments at all levels, as well as citizens, to do more for the armed forces.
He also appealed for restraint in public criticism of the military and government, particularly on social media, saying the focus should be on recognising the sacrifices of service personnel.
“The welfare of the military ought to be prioritised. Without the military, there is no country. While many of us sleep, they are working to keep us safe. It is wrong that some retire and still have to endure hardship to access their benefits,” he said.
The governor further called on serving members of the armed forces and the police to remain professional and diligent in the discharge of their duties, warning that misconduct could undermine public confidence in their institutions.
In a sermon during the service, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion, the Rev Godspower Asingba, urged Nigerians to pray for and encourage military personnel.
Asingba said officers often worked in harsh conditions and struggled to secure a better quality of life, making public support and prayer essential.
The service was attended by the governor’s wife, Justice Patience Diri; the senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr Konbowei Benson; the member for Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency, Dr Fred Agbedi; and the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere.
Also present were the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; former deputy governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (retd); the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayawei; members of the state executive council; service commanders; and serving and retired military officers.
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