REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Nigerian Union of Pensioners, South-East zone, has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for clearing four years of outstanding gratuities owed retirees in Anambra State.
The union said the gratuities, covering 2017 to 2020, amounted to Twenty Two Billion Naira inherited from the previous administrations in Anambra state.
South-East Chairman of the Union, Anthony Ugozor, made the commendation during a zonal meeting in Awka.
Mr Ugozor urged Governors in the South-East to emulate Professor Soludo by prioritising pensioners welfare and ensuring prompt payment of retirement benefits.
According to him, the Governors implement the proposed N32,000 minimum pension immediately it is announced by the federal government.
Mr Ugozor argued that pensioners who retired on identical grade levels deserved equal pensions regardless of their retirement year.
He lamented existing disparities in pensions despite the fact that all pensions face the same economic difficulties.
The union leader also reminded the Anambra government of the outstanding N490.18 million meant for primary school pensioners from the 2002 and 2003 .
He alleged that the funds remained with the Local Government Pension Board while some beneficiaries had died without receiving their money.
Anambra State Head of Service, Ngozi Iwuno, assured the pensioners of the government’s continued commitment to their welfare.
The chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Anambra State Humphrey Nwafor, said that the union has commenced discussions with the government on the proposed N32,000 minimum pension for retired workers.
The National President of Nigeria Pensioners Union, Godwin Abumisi, urged the members to remain hopeful better pension for them.
