NAN-H-84
Pensioners
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Oct. 11, 2016 (NAN) The 33 councils in Oyo State have appealed to the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state to adopt dialogue in their agitation.
Mr Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan North-West Local Government Council, made the appeal on behalf of the council areas on Tuesday in Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NUP had on Monday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the State Ministry of Local Government.
It called on the ministry to address the payment of gratuities and monthly pensions of retired primary school teachers and retired local government staff, saying members might commencing picketing if this was not addressed.
But Olatunbosun cautioned the pensioners on being confrontational over the issue, adding that government was working assiduously to ensure the payment was made.
He said that primary school teachers, retired primary school teachers and local government pensioners would in the next 48 hours begin to receive payments.
Olatunbosun blamed the delay in payment on the N6.8billion pension scam committed under a previous administration.
He said that the ongoing verification exercise by the state government had helped government in discovering 400 ghost pensioners across the state.
Olatunbosun, who is also the Coordinator, Ajumose Coalition, urged the pensioners to support the administration of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi in its effort at making life more meaningful and comfortable for the citizenry.
He said that the present administration in the state had not reneged on its commitment at repositioning the state inspite of the economic recession. (NAN)
TAA/ORO/OJO
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(Edited by Razak Owolabi and controlled Mufutau Ojo)