Retirees in Abia State, appealed to Governor Alex Otti to address the backlog of gratuity arrears owed to pensioners, urging him to reconsider his stance in line with agreements reached by the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Speaking during a press briefing in Umuahia under the banner of “Concerned Abia Pensioners”, the group, led by Elder John Kalu, acknowledged that the arrears were not incurred by the current administration but pleaded for Governor Otti to demonstrate the same compassion he has shown in clearing salary arrears.
“We appeal to him to reconsider the issue of gratuity and ensure that, though these arrears were not incurred by his government, he extends his compassionate intervention by clearing them, even if done in instalments,” said Comrade Stanley Ibekwe, the group’s Secretary.
Ibekwe expressed gratitude for the governor’s efforts in ensuring regular and full pension payments for retirees and current workers but emphasized the significance of gratuity as a cornerstone of public service.
“Gratuity is the essence of public service.
No one should be deprived of it after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60,” he added.
The pensioners also distanced themselves from the NUP leadership, accusing them of political bias and misrepresentation.
They alleged that the NUP’s recent agitation was self-serving and motivated by political interests.
“We unequivocally apologize to our governor for the unprovoked distortions, disinformation, and misrepresentations against him and his government by the NUP,” Ibekwe said.
He questioned the NUP’s motives, noting its silence during previous administrations that accumulated pension arrears.
“Why did the NUP remain silent for years and support the PDP government, which owed our members, only to turn around and attack, vilify, and spread lies about the current government?” he asked.
Ibekwe praised Governor Otti for clearing a significant portion of the pension arrears inherited from the previous administration and for ensuring regular and full pension payments.
The pensioners also criticized the NUP leadership for excluding dissenting members from meetings, claiming that their support for Governor Otti had led to their marginalization.
“The NUP leadership locked us out of the meeting hall donated by the Rotary Club of Umuahia, forcing us to hold meetings outside under the sun.
This is verifiable,” Ibekwe disclosed.
The group urged the NUP leadership to apologize to the governor and the people of Abia for their actions, stressing the need for unity in addressing pensioners concerns.
