The Nigerian Legionaires in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State have cried out for financial support, saying that their condition is getting worse by the day especially after the Covid-19 Pandemic and the #ENDSARS protest of last year.
Speaking with newsmen in their office at the council headquarter, Afam over the weekend, the chairman of the Legionnaires , ACC Nwuche Isreal said they are dying slowly by the day without any support from the state or local governments . He lamented that not even the government palliatives came their way last year.
He appealed for soft loans from the governments to enable especially the widows of the fallen heroes feed their family. He also appealed for the governments and other companies operating within the area to engage some of them who are still strong in order to support their family as much as they can.
“Some of us might not be physically strong but with our experience and mental agility, we can coordinate and direct affairs relating to security perfectly”, he said.
On why the council is not celebrating this years Armed Forces Remembrance Day, ACC Nwuche said they too were at a loss as to why it was not celebrated this year but that they on their own are marking the event on a low key . He however attributed the development to the Covid -19 and #ENDSARS crisis perhaps.
Reminded of the funds the RSG releases every other year for the Legionnaires welfare, the Oyigbo Chapter Chairman said they have only enjoyed that meant for scholarship for their children but that other funds are yet to be accessed.
He however expressed hope that something good will come their way this year 2021, disclosing that official bottleneck could be responsible for the delay.
He used the opportunity to express their gratitude to the Oyigbo Local Government Council especially for providing an office accommodation for them and appealed for it to be equipped and furnished.
The Chairman also thanked Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his vested interest in the Legionnaires welfare and re-affirmed their support to the administration.
