The Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners is taking a stand to assert their rights. In a recent emergency meeting at their Makurdi secretariat, the Union issued a stern ultimatum to the Benue State Government. They have set a deadline of the 16th of this month for the government to fulfill their demands, or they will mobilize their members for protests. The central issue is the delayed pension payments that have left pensioners struggling.
Demanding Swift Action
During the emergency meeting, chaired by the State Chairman, Michael Vembe, and attended by numerous pensioners, the Union articulated their demands with clarity and determination. The primary demand is for the immediate payment of three months’ pension arrears to all Local Government Pensioners. This delay in payments has had a severe impact on the livelihoods of pensioners who depend on these funds for their basic needs.
Financial Commitment
The Union is not stopping at the demand for pension arrears. They also assert that the government should allocate Nine Hundred Million Naira every month for the regular payment of local Government Pensioners in the state. This financial commitment is crucial to ensuring that pensioners have a consistent source of income to sustain their lives.
Clearing the Backlog
Furthermore, the Union insists on the commencement of pension arrears and gratuities payments. They also urge the government to promptly place all retirees who have completed their paperwork on the pension payroll this month. This move aims to alleviate the waiting period that often leaves pensioners in uncertainty after retiring from their service.
Warning of Protest
In a show of unity and determination, the Union made it clear that if their demands are not met, they will resort to mass protests. They plan to mobilize pensioners across the state to participate in these protests, sending a strong message to the government about the urgency of the situation. The protests are scheduled for the following week, precisely on Wednesday.
Acknowledging Efforts
While expressing their gratitude to the government for disbursing three months’ pension to state pensioners, the Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners remains concerned. They point out that only one-third of Local Government Pensioners received one month’s payment, highlighting the disparities that exist within the pension system.
Prioritizing Vulnerability
The Union’s demands are rooted in the understanding that pensioners, due to their age and health challenges, are particularly vulnerable. They emphasize that pensioners should be given top priority when the government implements any form of palliatives or relief measures, such as the fuel subsidy removal.
Conclusion
The Benue State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners is taking a firm stand to secure their rights and advocate for their well-being. With their demands clearly outlined and their unity demonstrated, the Union is determined to ensure that pensioners receive their due payments and are treated with the dignity they deserve. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the government’s response to this urgent call for action.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary demand of the Benue State Union of Pensioners? A1: The primary demand is for the immediate payment of three months’ pension arrears to all Local Government Pensioners.
Q2: What financial commitment is the Union seeking from the government? A2: The Union is requesting that the government allocate Nine Hundred Million Naira every month for the regular payment of local Government Pensioners in the state.
Q3: What action will the Union take if their demands are not met? A3: The Union plans to mobilize pensioners for mass protests if their demands are not met by the government.
Q4: How are pensioners affected by delayed payments? A4: Delayed pension payments have a severe impact on pensioners’ livelihoods, as they rely on these funds for their basic needs.
Q5: Why does the Union emphasize prioritizing pensioners? A5: The Union highlights that pensioners are vulnerable due to age and health challenges, making it crucial to prioritize their well-being when implementing relief measures.
