The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has urged Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, to reconsider his administration’s decision to discontinue the payment of 45 months’ pension arrears and gratuities owed to retirees.
In a letter signed by its National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, the union acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in ensuring the prompt payment of pensions since June 2023.
However, it raised concerns over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state government and the NUP’s Abia State Council, describing it as an error that has caused discontent among retirees.
The union argued that pension entitlements are fundamental rights guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and should not be waived without the collective approval of pensioners.
“The union officials signed the MoU in error, though with genuine intentions, and not to discredit your administration in any way,” the letter stated, urging Governor Otti to disregard the agreement and initiate a review of the matter.
The NUP emphasized that a significant number of pensioners reject the decision to forgo their unpaid arrears and gratuities, as there was no consensus among them to relinquish their hard-earned benefits.
“Majority of pensioners disagree with waiving their legitimate entitlements because there was no collective agreement among members to do so,” the union stated.
The pensioners’ body appealed to the governor to reinstate the 45 months’ pension arrears and ensure the payment of the excluded gratuities. It further urged a review of the past pension payments made in percentages, demanding that the outstanding balances be fully settled.
“We appeal to you to accept our plea and comprehensively reassess the earlier pensions paid in percentages, ensuring that the remaining balance is duly paid,” the letter added.
The NUP also reminded Governor Otti that before his administration assumed office, pensioners in Abia State were either unpaid for months or received their pensions in percentages, a practice the union described as illegal. It stressed that pension payments are a right, not a privilege, and should be honored in full.
The union reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue and urged the government to prioritize the welfare of retirees, many of whom depend on their pensions for survival.
