Enugu Pensioners Get 2.5% Statutory Allocation

The Enugu State Government has approved the monthly release of the state 2.5% statutory allocation due to the State Pensions Board for the services of the pensioners in the state.

The approval for the release of the statutory allocation, which had been denied the board for almost sixteen years by the past chief  executives in the State was given by the state Governor, Mr  Sullivan Chime.

Governor Chime made this known when he received senior citizens from the state branch of Nigeria Union of Local Government Pensioners who called on him at the Government House, Enugu on a solidarity visit.

Represented on the occasion by the state Head of  Service, Mr.  Sylvanus  Onoyima, Governor Chime promised that the government would continue to give priority attention to the welfare of pensioners in the state.

The state chief executive explained that the approval would help to ensure that all the entitlements due to pensioners both arrears owed them by the previous administration were paid, as well as monthly payment of their pensions.

He, therefore, thanked them for the solidarity support and understanding of government’s efforts to address their problems, adding that such maturity demonstrated is worthy of emulation.

The Governor recalled that prior to his assumption of office, monthly pensions of pensioners were in arrears of eleven months but noted with happiness that presently the arrears had been cleared. Earlier in his speech, the state Chairman of the Pensioners, Chief P. O. Maduka thanked Governor  Chime for his good works in the state  adding, “we have come to express our appreciation to the governor for identifying with the plight of  Enugu  State local government staff pensions.” According to Chief Maduka, “we are particularly here this afternoon to thank you for giving approval for the monthly release of the state 2.5% Statutory Allocation. By this gesture you have given a new lease of life to our pensioners.”

He also commended the Governor for appointing a humane, sensitive and committed chief  executive for the board in the person of Mrs. Flora Chibuzo and for setting up a committee to work out the total amount owed pensioners before his assumption of office.

The state chairman therefore appealed to the governor to help fast track work of the committee to enable them complete their work for his necessary action.