By Mumini AbdulKareem
Retirees from the federal, state and local government in Kwara state have lamented their plight occasioned by the nonpayment of their pension arrears by relevant authorities.
The pensioners under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), called on the leadership of the union to find a lasting solution to their plight.
The state chairman of the union, Comrade Saidu Oladimeji, who met with NUP members in Offa, during a state tour of all local government areas on Wednesday, urged the retirees urged the leadership to find a way to resolve the issue of irregular payment of their monthly pension, payment of their 10-year gratuities and arrears of the monthly pension. They also pleaded for the stoppage of payment of percentages in their monthly pension.
In his remarks, Oladimeji urged the pensioners to be patient with the new governor in the state, who he assured was working to solve their problems.
He also charged them to see themselves as their brother’s keeper, adding that they should work in unison and cooperate with the leadership of the NUP in the state to achieve its ideas and welfare programmes. He stressed the need for both state and local government pensioners in the area to work together as a team.
In his welcome address, branch chairman, NUP Offa local government, Chief James Adebayo Shogo, commended the initiative behind the familiarization/sensitization tour of all local government areas in the state, pledging members’ support and loyalty to the present leadership of the union.
At Ipee, Oyun local government area, the NUP chairman in the branch, Chief Bayo Adeogun, also pledged support to the union. The tour has also held in Ilorin West and Asa local government areas.
Meanwhile, Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq yesterday approved the sum of N100m gratuity for pensioners in the state.
This, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, in a press statement on Wednesday, was to demonstrate the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of retirees.
“The Governor’s action is another practical demonstration of his pledge to never victimise anyone for their perceived affiliations. He has therefore resolved to restore their salary,” Ajakaye said.
The statement added that the Governor continued his tour of government facilities in the state on Wednesday, with visits to some markets in the Ilorin metropolis where he pledged to give them basic amenities like water, access roads and solar-powered electricity.
