BEVERLY HILLS, May 23, (THEWILL) – About 500 pensioners who retired from the public service of the Government of Edo state have stage a protest on Monday over the non-payment of their pension for 42 months.
They protested round major roads in Benin and ended up at the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), press centre saying that their condition was worse than that of the internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Armed with banners with various inscription, such as, “Edo pensioners are more displaced internally than the IDPs”, they revealed that most of them who retired from the service between 2013 and 2016, were yet to be paid their gratuity, and monthly stipends.
Spokesman of the group, Gabriel Osemwenkha, said as a result of non-payment of their gratuity and pensions, some of the pensioners had died while others have find it difficult to send their children to school due to lack of fund and economic realies.
“We appeal to our Royal Fathers, Politicians, elder statesmen, mothers, the clergy and all well-meaning citizens of the state to prevail on the state Governor to pay arrears of pension entitlements to over one thousand deprived pensioners,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the state government had delayed the payment of arrears of pension ranging from 10 to 42 months as a result of which pensioners have been groaning in penury and pains.
“Contrary to claims that the government does now owe state retirees, the government has refused to commence payment of pension with effect from the date of retirement as stipulated in civil service pension law.”
Story by David Oputah
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