National Daily

Kwara pensioners break into factions

…Over payment of arrears

From BABATUNDE SALAMI; Ilorin

PENSIONERS in Kwara State have broken into factions, National Daily can now reveal.
The break-up came to light following controversies which payment of arrears to the pensioners have been generating.

Already, the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has disassociated itself from the activities of a group of pensioners, known as ''Concerned Pensioners.'' The NUP made its position known in a letter of gratitude and commendation it wrote to t Governor Bukola Saraki and signed by its chairman, Alhaji Ayinde Alanamu and its Secretary' Chief Samuel Ibidoja.

The Concerned Pensioners had instituted a legal action against the state government over the deduction of 50 percent from the pensioner's arrears saying there was no agreement to such an effect.

But the NUP has faulted the Concerned Pensioner's claims, contending that ''the Concerned Pensioners were merely trying to smear the good reputation of the State Government by disseminating false information in the media.''

It declared: '' It took the state NUP Executive led by the State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Aiyeoribe many months of negotiation to arrive at the payment of the 50% of the total arrears.''

This apart, the NUP said '' retired Senior citizen of the State, made up retired Permanent Secretaries, Auditor-Generals; Accountant-Generals were invited to the meeting with the State's Head of Service and later with the Deputy Governor where the group felt satisfied with the Government's stand on the payment.

“We want to state that, all along reports of our negotiation were transmitted to those who now come to be known as Concerned Pensioners through their representative.''

The Union said it was surprising and embarrassing for any group ''to now come out and destroy the good intention of the Kwara State Governor which was meant to alleviate the suffering of the generality of pensioners in the State, especially the family of the deceased pensioners.

”The Nigeria Union of Pensioners(NUP) Kwara State Council as a responsible Union wishes to State categorically that having resolved to be paid 50% as final payment of the cumulative arrears of the 150% ,30% and 140% pension increase, we do not see any rational claim by any faction to go against the collectives agreement of the Union.''

The NUP commended ''Saraki's efforts in ameliorating the problems and sufferings of pensioners in the State by the prompt payment of their monthly pension.''