Scores of local government pensioners in Ogun state have taken to the streets of Abeokuta, the state capital to lament the non-payment of outstanding gratuities to the tune of N68 billion, by the Governor Dapo Abiodun-administration
The pensioners under the aegis of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN), who expressed their grievances in a protest which held at state secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, accused the state government of neglecting senior citizens.
Recall that the pensioners had protested several times this year alone over the non-payment of their entitlement. The New Diplomat recalls that this is the third time the pensioners will protest in the space of four months.
The senior citizens in September, took to the streets of Abeokuta, blocking the two main gates of the Oke-Mosan secretariat in Abeokuta, locking out several government workers during their demonstration.
In another move, the pensioners staged another protest to further press home their demands.
During the protest, they condemned the state government’s decision to pay only N500m of the outstanding gratuity every quarter, something that could take 34 years to clear, describing it as wicked and inhuman.
The state chairman of the association, Sikiru Ayilara, in his charge, said the decision to stage another protest was hinged on attempt to draw government’s attention to their plight. He said although the state government has agreed to a quarterly release of N500m every quarter, the figure is too small to clear the N68bn backlog the state is owing pensioners.
Ayilara added that the pensioners are eager to meet with the governor, as there are still issues to resolve, including increase in monthly pension.
Addressing protesters, the Head of Service, Dr Nafiu Aigoro, appealed to the pensioners to remain calm while assuring that the government would ensure a comfortable post-retirement life for its local government pensioners, irrespective of the challenges they now face.
“This government will always prioritise welfare of pensioners and ensure regular payment of their pensions despite the dwindling financial situation being witnessed in the state and the country at large,” Aigoro said.
