By Emmanuel Abi Couson
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State Council rose from its enlarged Executive meeting in Uyo and appeal for audience with Akwa ibom state governor Pastor Umo Eno on Tuesday 28th January, 2025 in his office to discuss the issue of autonomy to Local Government as it affects the payment of: Monthly Pension and Gratuity to avoid what happened during the previous autonomy of 1990 and forward.
They also made a passionate appeal to Governor Eno to consider establishment of Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Pension as it exist in other South-South States and to form the Bureau under a Chairman, include Civil Pensioners Dept, Local government Dept, retired Primary School Teachers Dept which they averred will assist immensely during this era of Financial Autonomy for local government councils.
The meeting which also had Leaders of Retired Primary School Teachers and Local Government Leaders in attendance in a communique endorsed by Obong E. E. Ekpo (JP) Chairman NUP, Obong Cosmos M. Essien secretary NUP , Hon. Emmanuel S. Udoaka secretary RPST, Dr. Mrs. Uduak Udohaya Chairman local , Revd. Felix Cookey Chairman RPST and made available to Journalists in Uyo on Tuesday expressed deep seated gratitude the governor for his benevolence to all Retired pensioners in Akwa Ibom State.
According to them, ” This includes Smooth payment of Monthly Pension Establishing and paying N20,000 Minimum Pension in lieu of N30,000 Minimum wage.
” Having the courage to release up to N28 billion to liquidate accumulated Gratuities indebtedness. Agreeing to pay N32,000 into Pension at the end of this month in lieu of N70,000 Minimum wage to all Pensioners in the State. And always being there for Pensioners whenever we call on him”. They added.
The Executive Committee further appealed to the governor to consider the plight of the old people during this austere economy as drugs for survival are expensive beyond the scope of the Aged.
They highlighted, “Your Excellency, please we are making a passionate appeal for to consider Paying Consequential Adjustment as stipulated by Salary & Wages Commission on Circular No. SWC/3/04/S./542/II/296, Consider payment of 20% Pension Review as set out by Salary & Wages Commission on Circular No. SWC/S/04/S.542/II/449”.
“The Executive Council call on His Excellency to grant us an audience with him on Tuesday 28th January, 2025 in his office to discuss the issue of autonomy to Local Government as it affects the payment of: Monthly Pension and Gratuity to avoid what happened during the previous autonomy in 1990 and forward”.
