About 500 pensioners who retired from the public service of the government of Edo, on Monday took to the street in protest of 42 months pension arrears, saying “our conditions are worse than that of the internally displaced persons.
They protested round major roads in Benin and ended up at the Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ), press centre, and said most of them who retired from the service between 2013 and 2016, were yet to be paid their gratuity, and monthly stipends.
Armed banners with various inscription, such as, “Edo pensioners are more displaced internally than the IDPs” urged the Adams Oshiomhole led government to constitute the state pensions board.
Spokesman of the group, Mr Gabriel Osemwenkha, said as a result of non-payment of their gratuity and pensions, the pensioners have find it difficult to cope with economy reality.
He noted that while some have past away as a result, others have find it difficult to send their children to school due to lack of fund.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
The Edo NUJ chairman, Mr Roland Osakwe who received the pensioners, urged them to be calm as they go about their protest.
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