Pensioners in Abia State, represented by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) Abia Council, have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government, accusing it of failing to fulfill promises regarding the payment of pension arrears.
During a press briefing in Umuahia on Thursday, the union criticized Governor Alex Otti for not clearing outstanding pensions and gratuities, despite assurances made during his election campaign.
“If the Governor His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti (OFR) has decided to renege on his campaign promises in clearing all arrears of pensions he met on assumption to office, he should declare it to Abians,” they said.
To address pension-related issues, a committee was established, comprising Prof. Kenneth Kalu, Mazi Michael Akpara, and Dr. Betty Emeka Obasi. However, a Memorandum of Understanding produced by this committee has ignited controversy, with the union alleging that it inaccurately asserts that pensioners waived their outstanding entitlements.
Chairman Elder Chukwuemeka Irondi revealed that Dr. Obasi requested a letterhead from the NUP that contained misleading information, which the state secretary signed without proper review.
Irondi stated, “Abia pensioners in their state council meeting held on 11th January 2024, decided to waive their outstanding entitlements including pensions and gratuity, and coerced the representatives of the state NUP to endorse such falsehood.”
He urged Governor Otti to publicly clarify any intentions to backtrack on his campaign promises, stressing the importance of transparency in governance.
This situation comes against a backdrop of historic protests by Abia pensioners over unpaid pensions and gratuities, which included a staggering 32 months of arrears reported in 2019.
