From Molly kilete, Abuja
Former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has called for a review of certain policies of government as regard the terms and conditions of service of armed forces personnel as he expressed concern about the retirement age of military officers.
He kicked against what he described as the premature retirement of military officers from service in their prime when they still have much to offer the nation.
Mimiko said it was a disservice to the nation for officers to acquire so much training, battle exposure and equipment mastery in diverse operations only to be retired when they have so much to offer the up and coming generation.
The former governor spoke at the presentation of a book: “Warrior Ethos In Perspective” authored by Major General Charles Ofoche (retd) in Abuja.
“Something tells me that something is wrong if all these young men with the bundle of intellect they possess are retired at their prime,” Mimiko, who expressed worry that officers are retired at 56, 58, and 60 years, said.
“Thank God the country is beginning to realise this. In the Academics, retirement age is now 70 years, Judiciary is 70 years. I think 60 years with all that training is a disservice.”
He said the early retirement of military officers has affected the successes of operations to wipe out insecurity in the country.
The former governor who described Gen Ofoche as a man of integrity, a man of character who is ready to stretch to the limit to achieve results, said he was not surprised he came out with the book because he embodies the ethos as an officer.
“As the Brigade Commander in Ondo, he displayed exemplary character. Thank God for the calibre of officers like him that worked so hard to ensure security was at a high level in our state. I use the opportunity to salute the armed forces for what they are doing for our nation.”
He equally commended officers and men of the armed forces for their sacrifice, commitment and resilience in keeping the country one and united.