The APC Initiative for Good Governance (APC-IGG) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in governance, particularly in the administration of military pensions.
In a statement issued by its National President, Ambassador Musa Muhammed Tsoken, the group praised the President’s approval of the appointment of Air Vice Marshal Abubakar Idris Adamu (Rtd) as Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, which took effect from December 4, 2025.
The group described the appointment as a strategic move aimed at leveraging professional expertise to improve the welfare of retired military personnel and their families.
According to the statement, Adamu’s background in military finance, budgeting, and institutional management positions him well to drive reforms in pension administration.
However, APC-IGG expressed strong concern over the continued delay in the implementation of the presidential directive, questioning what it described as the audacity of the Military Pensions Board and other actors allegedly frustrating the assumption of office by a duly appointed chairman.
The group warned that any refusal or obstruction to implementing the directive of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces undermines constitutional authority and sets a dangerous precedent for governance. It stressed that all government agencies are bound to respect and promptly execute presidential decisions in good faith.
APC-IGG further noted that delays of such nature risk eroding public confidence in democratic institutions, while also creating unnecessary institutional friction that could affect service delivery to military pensioners.
In a related development, a civil society organisation, the Security and Public Affairs Analyst Forum (SPAAF), also called on President Tinubu to urgently intervene in the matter.
According to the group’s Head of Secretariat, Ola Akanni Sunkanmi, Air Vice Marshal Adamu (Rtd) has been unable to assume office months after his appointment due to alleged interference by influential elements.
Sunkanmi described the situation as unacceptable, noting that the National Security Adviser had recommended the appointment, while the appointee had also received an official letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
He warned that such developments could undermine confidence in governance structures and disrupt the orderly implementation of presidential directives.
The forum maintained that Adamu, a retired two-star officer, is well qualified to lead the Military Pensions Board, citing his professional experience and alignment with standards applicable in similar security-related agencies.
Sunkanmi further recalled that morale among officers and men was reportedly high during the period Adamu served in an acting capacity, as well as after his formal appointment, indicating widespread confidence in his leadership.
The group therefore insisted that denying him access to assume office amounts to sabotaging the Federal Government’s efforts to enhance the welfare of military personnel, particularly in the area of pension entitlements.
Both APC-IGG and SPAAF urged the Presidency, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and all relevant authorities to act decisively and resolve any lingering administrative bottlenecks.
They emphasised that allowing Air Vice Marshal Adamu (Rtd) to assume duty without further delay would restore operational efficiency at the Military Pensions Board, reinforce institutional discipline, and uphold the supremacy of constitutional authority.