2 months ago
9 ARTICLE AD
Pensioners A pressure group within the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, the Abia Pensioners’ Forum, has appealed to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to revisit his Memorandum of Agreement with pensioners regarding the payment of their gratuity and pension arrears.
Addressing the press in Umuahia on Wednesday, the Coordinator of the group, Barr. Okey Kanu, clarified that the group is neither political nor affiliated with any party. He stressed that they do not intend to confront the state government but rather seek clarity on the purported clearance of pension and gratuity arrears.
The group noted that state NUP officials have created an information gap, failing to actively pursue solutions. They reminded the governor of his campaign promise to clear the arrears of pension and gratuity by 31st December 2023.
However, the pensioners pointed out that the MoA signed by the state government and the NUP stipulated that only part of the arrears would be paid, with the balance forfeited by the pensioners. They lamented, “Instead of rejoicing, we were plunged into mourning.”
“We wept bitterly, raising our hands to God for intervention, as it was unimaginable that we could lose the fruits of our labour after 35 years of service or reaching the age of 60. This development has worsened the already precarious health conditions of many pensioners.”
They also alleged inconsistencies in pension and ex-gratia payments. The group added, “The minutes of the enlarged NUP meeting referred to in the MoA did not even mention gratuity. Instead, the focus was on pension arrears. To date, the MoA remains a secret document to our members, with neither the state government nor NUP officials publishing its contents.”
Describing the MoA as “illegal, exploitative, and unconscionable,” they asserted,
“Pension and gratuity are statutory and personal rights of each pensioner. No one has the authority to negotiate them away on behalf of any pensioner.”
“It is incomprehensible how the state government could negotiate with vulnerable pensioners who have been deprived and impoverished for years. Our Forum has chosen not to confront the government but to humbly plead for fairness.”
They continued, “This is exploitative and unconscionable, as pensioners were not given free will to negotiate or agree to the MoA. A valid contract requires both parties to be free from undue influence or pressure.”
Comparing the MoA to the biblical story of Esau and Jacob, the Forum claimed that pensioners were similarly exploited, and they have reached out to various figures, including Peter Obi, the governor’s wife, church leaders, and state officials, for intervention.
In conclusion, they pleaded, “His Excellency, the Governor, recently highlighted the need to protect vulnerable persons, including pensioners. We therefore urge him to revisit and rescind the MoA and pay pensioners their rightful benefits.”
“Doing so would earn him a legacy as a promise keeper. In return, we pledge our continued loyalty and support for his administration.”
