Economy
THE Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State council, has called on Gov. Seyi Makinde to address disparity in the payment of pension in the state.
The state NUP Secretary, Mr Olusegun Abatan, made the call on Tuesday during the inauguration of Pensioners’ Radio 106.7 FM in Ibadan.
Abatan said there were still pensioners earning N2, 000 monthly as pension, noting that those who retired 20 years ago were earning far less than their counterparts who just retired on the same grade level.
“We plead for pension parity or harmonisation between the old pensioners and the new ones.
“We also call for the liquidation of government’s indebtedness to retired primary school teachers and local government workers within your first four years’ tenure,” he said.
Abatan said that the idea of pensioners having a radio station came about five years ago when pensioners were struggling to be paid their entitlements.
He said that at that time, the press statement and rallies of pensioners were of no effect and were often twisted to cause disharmony among them.
“It was then we decided to have pensioners’ radio purposely to air our view and present our case in a civilised manner without offending government and NBC.
“We pledge to work and cooperate with Makinde’s administration and not use the radio to rundown the government, while saying the truth at all time,” Abatan said.
He commended the governor for paying pensioners in full and, as and when due since his assumption of office.
Also commenting, the Oyo State NUP acting chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Abolade, expressed appreciation to Makinde for bringing succour to the pensioners and other workers in the state.
Responding, the governor promised to set up a committee that would include members of the pensioners’ union and government to address their demands.
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mojid Olawale, commended the pensioners for their achievements in setting up a radio station which would make their voice to be heard properly.
He said that the station would not only benefit the pensioners, but the entire people of the state, and expressed government’s readiness to partner with it.
NAN
– Sept. 3, 2019 @ 17:55 GMT |
Tags: Address disparity in pension payment Oyo pensioners urge Makinde
