By Julius Alabi, Akure
As Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarks on nationwide strike, the Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has appealed to the
leadership of the union to help the senior citizens fight for their long over due entitlements in the state.
The appeal was contained in a communique issued at the end of its meeting in Akure yesterday and signed by the state NUP chairman, Chief Raphael Adetuwo.
He maintained that the 42 years entitlements owed them have subjected pensioners in the state to hardship.
Adetuwo said, “We are crying out now due to the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to governors on payment of salaries and pensions,” adding, “old age hazards and poverty are bitter experiences among us.”
It was gathered that some of the pensioners are yet to be paid pension and gratuities since 2012, and that the 33 per cent pension increase had not been approved by the state government since 2014.
They however pleaded with the Oluwarotimi Akeredolu-led government to settle their outstanding entitlements.
The NUP chairman, who accused the state government of shirking away from those financial responsibilities, urged the labour leadership to come to their rescue.
“The leadership of Nigeria Union of Pensioners Ondo State chapter is making a clarion call on Nigeria
Labour Congress Ondo State chapter to assist pensioners in the state fight for their entitlements long overdue,” Adetuwo added.