Abia Pensioners Forum, a pressure group of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has reminded and demanded that Governor Alex Otti of Abia State should fulfill his promise to revisit the pension arrears and gratuity accumulated by previous administration as well as other discrepancies associated with the pension saga.
The plea was made on Monday during a press conference held in Umuahia, anchored by Okey Kanu ESQ, Coordinator of Abia Pensioners Forum.
According to the statements of the Abia Pensioners Forum, they also demand the Abia government to set up a judicial panel of enquiry to verify the payment so that pensioners who make false claims should be punished according to the law.
The pensioners statement also read that: “as of today, 99% percent of Pensioners who retired before the inception of this administration in 2023 are still owed their arrears of pension. What this administration paid in March, 2024 was her own arrears of pension”.
The pensioners expressed dissatisfaction over statements made assuring that they will be paid. They demand that political will should be exercised to make it possible as soon as possible.
“As stated in our last news Commentary, Government should muster the political will to pay these retirement benefits.” The Pensioners said.
“It is a sad commentary that more than three years of the present administration, these issues have continued to linger and reverberate for failure to address them. Invariably, the trust and confidence of pensioners have seriously been eroded, as a result.
“We therefore urge Government to, as a matter of urgency, start immediate payment of these retirement benefits, even if she wants to start with gratuity.
“Fulfilment of a promise is the work of salvation! Further delay will further devalue these already grossly devalued retirement benefits. As of today, many pensioners have died without receiving these benefits. Those still alive need this payment to feed, buy drugs and attend to other subsequent needs and health challenges. Others need these payments to start or complete their projects, especially their retirement homes.” The Pensioners pleaded.
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