Pensioners in Akwa Ibom State have appealed to the state government to ensure prompt payment of pensions and gratuities to retirees in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by the state chapter of Nigerian Union of Pensioners signed by its chairman, Elder Ettetor Uwah, and Secretary, Obong Cosmas Essien. Reports by Punch
The pensioners, lamented that gratuities of some local government pensioners and primary school teachers had not been paid.
They urged the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, to implement pension harmonisation and all percentage increases for its members as contained in the federal circular.
The union said many pensioners in the state earned between N800 and N1,500 monthly because of non-harmonisation of their pensions and decried the neglect of retirees after serving the country meritoriously for decades.
The group alleged that while the retirees were wallowing in abject poverty and neglect, some senior public officers had given themselves huge retirement benefits.
They called on the state governor to give priority attention to the welfare of the retired public servants in the state.
The pensioners promised to give unalloyed support to the administration of Governor Emmanuel and appealed for regular and prompt payment of pension entitlements.
