The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has resolved to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to ensure that states owing pension arrears are engaged to pay what they owe retirees.
The NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated this when he interfaced with the national leadership of the NUP in Abuja.
The national president of the NUP, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, had in his welcome remark told Ajaero about challenges senior citizens are facing in the country, especially across the states of the federation where many governors refused to pay pensions.
He consequently requested NLC’s intervention and support.
The NUP national president expressed disappointment and displeasure at the unrepentant attitude and inhuman treatment some state governors mete to pensioners in their states. He used Abia and Imo state governors as examples of those who refused to pay pensions to the retirees despite the excruciating economic hardship in the country.
Reacting to the demand of the pensioners, Ajaero expressed sadness, saying it is unacceptable. He wondered why a governor or president will not prioritise payment of pension, knowing it is the only means of livelihood of many pensioners.
He said governors and the president have relatives who will retire someday and asked why they are proud of the legacy of nonpayment of pension that will eventually hurt their family members and relatives in the future.