Abia Pensioners have appealed to Governor Otti to reconsider his stance on the arrears of gratuity owed to retirees and rescind his earlier decision in line with an agreement reached by the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
The pensioners noted that although these arrears were not incurred by the present government, they want him to extend his compassionate intervention by clearing them like he has done on salary arrears, saying they would not mind if the Governor clears the arrears of gratuity installmentally.
Briefing the press in Umuahia on Monday, the pensioners who came under the aegis of Concerned Abia Pensioners said that the NUP did not carry them along in the said agreement reached with the Abia State Government but expressed hope that the Governor would take a second look at the decision.
The Secretary, Concerned Abia Pensioners, Comrade Stanley Ibekwe flanked by the Chairman, Elder John Kalu, the Coordinator Chief Emeka Okezie among other executive members of the group said that they are happy that their pensions are now regular and full under Governor Alex Otti, adding that they now receive their pensions regularly and full alongside current workers .
Apologizing to the Governor for the misrepresentations against his person and his government by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), he explained the importance of gratuity to retired workers.
“While we, the Concerned Abia Pensioners, who have been speaking for Abia Pensioners over the years, unequivocally apologise to our Governor for the unprovoked distortions, disinformation and misrepresentations against his person and his government by the NUP, we appeal to him to please take a second look at the issue of gratuity and ensure that though these arrears were not incurred by his government, but that he extends his compassionate intervention by clearing them like he has done on salary arrears, even if it’s done instalmentally.
“This is because, gratuity is the whole essence of the public service and nobody would think of losing his gratuity after his 35 years of service or 60 years of age in the Service,” Ibekwe said.
The Concerned Abia Pensioners said that the leadership of the NUP that has suddenly found its voice after years of silence and insensitivity, should apologise to the Governor and Abians for lying and trying to paint the government black unjustly and described the sudden agitation of the NUP as self-serving and politically motivated.
“The question is; why did NUP keep quiet over the years, and surreptitiously supported the PDP government that owed our members over the years by refusing to talk, only to suddenly turn around to attack, vilify and lie against the present government that has not only defrayed a chunk of the pension arrears owed by the past government, but has started paying pensioners regularly and in full?” Ibekwe stated.
Comrade Ibekwe disclosed that the leadership of NUP has refused to speak out over the years and had locked out other members of the NUP from the hall built and donated to all of them by Rotary Club of Umuahia to serve as a resting hall for all pensioners.
According to him,”We were locked out because they accused us of working against the PDP government and supporting Dr. Alex Otti in those dark days of our struggle.
“This action made us stay outside, under the sun to hold our meetings up till now. This is verifiable,” Ibekwe stated.