Arrears, Regret Funding Governor Alia's Nomination — Benue Pensioners Lament Over Unpaid

The Concerned Pensioners Association of Benue State, a group that broke away from the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in 2022, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the non-payment of their outstanding gratuities, which date back to the year 2000. Despite the heavy rainfall, the pensioners marched along Naka Road, carrying placards with various inscriptions to express their grievances. According to the chairman of the association, Akosu Orban, the demonstration was sparked by Governor Hyacinth Alia's failure to fulfill the promises he made to the pensioners in 2022. Orban explained that the pensioners had contributed money to purchase the governor's nomination and expression of interest forms, in collaboration with the Motorcycle Operators Association, with the hope that he would address their demands. However, the pensioners now regret their decision, as their situation remains unchanged. The chairman listed the pensioners' demands, which include the non-payment of outstanding pension arrears, ranging from 38 to 62 months for state and local government pensioners, respectively. He also cited the non-harmonization of pension rates, as stipulated in Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution, which has resulted in some pensioners receiving as little as N2,000 monthly, instead of the approved N40,000. Orban further alleged that there was collusion between the state government and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, to the detriment of his association's members. He claimed that some pensioners were still being paid N2,000 monthly, despite their long years of service. The pensioners have called on President Bola Tinubu and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to intervene and prevail on the state government to address their demands. Meanwhile, the state government has stated that the inherited backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities stands at about N300bn, which is the highest in the country. The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, Michael Oglegba, said that the government is doing its best to defray the arrears, and has been paying 100 per cent gratuity to all those who retired from service from 2023. However, the pensioners' arrears, which accrued before 2023, are being paid gradually, due to insufficient funds. The commissioner acknowledged the pensioners' right to demonstrate, but emphasized that the government is making efforts to pay the backlog of pensions and gratuities.