By Ibrahim Abdul’ Aziz, Regional Correspondent
_____
Pensioners in Adamawa State have cried out over the non-payment of over N27 billion owed them by both the state and local government pensioners since the coming of the present administration in the state.
The pensioners also decried that since the coming of the present administration no pensioner claims to have received his full gratuity.
Speaking during the marking of the Annual Pension Year 2020, in Yola, the state capital, Comrade Samson L. Almuru the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP, said between 2019 to date over 200 pensioners have died waiting to receive their pension.
“Between 2019 to date over 200 pensioners died waiting to receive their pension benefits.
‘’Since the inception of this administration no pensioner can claim to have received his full gratuity, this should not be the case.
“The union is aware that some pensioners are given N50.000- N200, 000 as part of their gratuity and tagged assistance.
‘’ The Gov’t is owing Pensioners over N27 billion i.e. both State & L.G. Pensioners,’’ said he.
Comrade Almuru said, “They waited to receive their gratuitous payments from the State Government after their retirement from the services of the Government but the Governor failed them.
”He said: “We decided to celebrate this year’s Annual Pension Year at this time as a mark to pray to God and thank Him that we are not dead but still alive but many of our colleagues are dead and gone, the essence of the World Pensioners Day is rather painful those who contributed to the development of the state are neglected because they are retired.”
He said, “We as pensioners have done everything possible to even meet with His Excellency Governor Fintiri or to make the government pay us our pensions but to no avail therefore we have resolved to offer special prayer so that they may listen to us.’’
Speaking on the Harmonization/Pensions review, Comrade Almuru said, ‘’the last time Pension was reviewed in Adamawa State was sometimes in 2003.
‘’Going by the Pension Law which states that Pensions shall be reviewed upward each time there is an increase in salaries of workers or every five years which was never implemented up to now.
‘’ NUP is an affiliate of NLC which means when there is a negotiation of salaries it should be done with Pensions.
‘’Unfortunately, the T.U.C. did not carry us along during the N32, 000 negotiations. The minimum Pension going by this increase should beN25, 600) as opposed to the N4, 000 which is the minimum Pension as at now,’’ he fumed.
But while reacting, the Head of Service (HoS) Dr Amos Edgar said that the present administration is ‘’ working tirelessly to see that pension matters are resolved.’’
Edgar represented by Permanent Secretary Administration Ahmad Dada, told the aggrieved pensioners that, ‘’ this government is so concern with your plight and is working assiduously to put smile on to your faces by paying the N27 billion owed by both state and local government councils.’’
Dada further explained that Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, on assuming office, approved upward review of the monthly allocation for payment of gratuity of retired local government workers from N3.5 million to N15 million.
‘’Governor Umaru Fintiri intervention has ensured steady off-setting of the arrears of the workers entitlement,” he continued.
He revealed that the Governor who kept to his promise, constituted a technical committee that verified the number of pensioners that the government owed gratuity and pension, and the report was submitted to the governor.
Dada added that since the coming of the Fintiri led administration, the state and local government pension board has been responsive and has paid those who retired from 2007 based on medical and health grounds.
- Federal Government To Revive Adults, Almajiris Education - September 24, 2023
- Fraud : Pastor Deceived Me to Sell My Only House, Jilted Evangelist Tells Yola Court - February 5, 2021
- 2023 : Nigerians Will Vote Out APC – Gov Wike - February 4, 2021
