Pensioners Task RSG On Welfare

As pensioners nationwide observed this year’s Pensioners Day, their colleagues in Rivers State have appealed to the state government to effect the 15 per cent pension increase payment without delay.

Addressing newsmen in Port Harcourt at the Nigeria Union of Pensioners secretariat to mark their day, the state chairman of Pensioners, Comrade Edward Festus Abibo said pensioners in the state deserved better welfare package from the state government having served the state credibly.

Comrade Festus-Abibo stressed the need for the state government to put smiles on their faces with the payment of six per cent and 15 per cent arrears since 2003.

The union chairman stated that the arrears which have been computed and submitted to the state governor through the offices of the Head of Service and the Commissioner  Finance since May this year is still awaiting approval and implementation.

The pensioners chairman added that the issue of media retirees in the state is receiving serious attention  from the appropriate authorities,  noting that the Head of Service, Ministry of Information officials have met to resolve areas of difference for the immediate inclusion of their names in the monthly pension pay roll to alleviate their suffering.

The union charged the pensioners board to discharge their responsibilities and duties effectively and efficiently to avoid delay of pensioners monthly allowance payment.

Comrade Festus-Abibo called on the state government to release funds for the payment of the approved retired primary school teachers benefit.

He enjoined the federal government to promptly pay its share of gratuity and monthly pension to Rivers State indigenes  who retired with effect from 1st July 2007 till date in the service of the Federal Government.

The union used the occasion to praise the state government for the prompt payment of pensioners’ monthly allowances and gratuity  payment and urging the government to look into the increase in the states monthly wage bills with a view of addressing it.

Philip Okparaji