By Peter Duru, Makurdi
Michael OglegbaPensioners Association of Benue State has renewed its demand for the payment of outstanding pension arrears and gratuities, accusing the state government of remaining silent more than one month after pensioners staged a protest in Makurdi over what they described as the violation of their rights.
The association, in a statement issued by its Chairman, Hon. Akosu Orban, lamented that despite the peaceful demonstration, the government had yet to respond to the issues raised by retired civil servants, many of whom, according to him, have continued to endure severe hardship.
“It is over a month today after the Benue State Civil Pensioners staged a human rights violation protest over non-payment of their entitlements. However, the Benue state government has kept sealed lips over the protest,” Orban stated.
The pensioners demanded the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears, which they said span 38 months for state retirees and up to 96 months for local government pensioners. They also called for the implementation of pension harmonisation in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, alleging that many retirees in the state still receive a minimum monthly pension of N2,000 instead of N40,000.
The association further decried the non-payment of gratuities dating back to the year 2000, insisting that many retirees who left the service over two decades ago had yet to receive their retirement benefits.
“We are saying our pension arrears be paid now. Pension harmonisation should be implemented, and gratuities stretching back to the year 2000 should no longer be ignored,” Orban said.
Describing the living conditions of pensioners as unbearable, the association claimed that many retirees could no longer afford basic medication, food or support for their families because of the prolonged delay in the payment of their entitlements.
According to Orban, “most pensioners are on special drugs and diet but cannot afford even a maintenance ration. A week before our protest, one of us died because he could not afford N500 worth of drugs to control his rising sugar level, despite having millions of Naira in unpaid pension and gratuity.”
He added that the hardship had forced some pensioners into begging and scavenging for survival, while many could no longer pay school fees for their children.
The association also accused the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), led by Mr. Michael Vembe, of failing to defend the interests of pensioners. Orban alleged that the union leadership had instead defended successive governments while neglecting the plight of retirees.
Netanyahu heads to US for first Trump meeting since Iran war
17,000 dead in 3 yrs: Withheld security funds behind killings, Atiku alleges
2023 Election: Stop dreaming of victory you never had, Onanuga tells Obi
Questioning the role of the NUP leadership, Orban said, “where was Vembe when pensions were unpaid for between 38 and 96 months? Where was he when pension rates were not harmonised and gratuities remained unpaid since 2000?”
He further alleged that the current administration cleared the pensions and gratuities of some retirees while older retirees, particularly those who left service between 2000 and 2023, were allegedly left out, describing the situation as unfair and contrary to established public service practice.
The association appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Human Rights Commission, international human rights organisations and other well-meaning Nigerians to intervene in what it described as a humanitarian crisis affecting pensioners in Benue State.
Orban also called on First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to extend support to retired civil servants in the state, saying many pensioners were dying from hunger, hardship and lack of access to healthcare.
“This is a human rights crisis and requires a human rights solution. We urge President Tinubu, the First Lady and all relevant organisations to come to our rescue and ensure that justice is done to Benue pensioners,” he said.
The association equally appealed to journalists and civil society organisations to amplify their demands, expressing hope that sustained public attention would compel the government to address the long-standing issues.
Contacted, the Benue state Chairman of NUP, Micheal Vember dismissed the agitation of the Concerned Pensioners saying “their demands are not genuine and we do not discuss their matter.
“We cannot be talking of fews pensioners where we have over 19,000 members. A lot is being done already by the government to address the issue and we are waiting patiently.”
The Benue State Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Michael Oglegba had stated that the administration inherited huge pension and gratuity liabilities, assuring that the government was making efforts to settle the obligations within available resources.
