By Nathan Nwakamma
The National Association of Retirees of State Governments has threatened a nationwide protest unless state governors urgently review pension payments in line with existing labour laws.
Mr Simon Anchaver, President of the union, made the call in Yenagoa at the inauguration of the Bayelsa interim executive of the newly registered union.
The union demanded that the 36 state governors prioritise pension payments.
They equally called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Ministry for Pension Affairs to guarantee annual budgetary allocations for pensioners’ welfare.
The union bemoaned the arbitrary payment of pensions by some governors, and commended Nasarawa State Governor for releasing N7 billion to clear pension arrears and gratuity.
Also speaking , the National Secretary of the Union, Bipre Ndiomu, said the union was newly registered and is currently inaugurating state executives.
He urged state governors to put modalities in place to guarantee the welfare of pensioners across the country, saying:”pensioners do not have to suffer”.
In his remarks, the Bayelsa Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Sawyer, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Training and Pension Bureau, Dr Charles Enuma urged the executive to serve as a bridge between retirees and government.
Sawyer assured the union that the state government was open to engagement on outstanding issues.
The newly inaugurated state chairman, Bazigha Tanwei, accepted the mandate and promised an open-door policy, regular consultations with members, and sustained advocacy with the state government to clear arrears.
Other members are Chief Patrick Weridongha, Vice Chairman; Engr. Tiekuro Ndiomu, Secretary; Bibobra Erebi, Woman Coordinator.
Others are Feubodei Ebiowei Francis, Public Relations Officer; Hon. Vivian Nagha, Treasurer; Sokari Philomina Mubai, Financial Secretary; Kuroekigha Christian, Auditor; Engr. Teibowei Ojobo D., Welfare Officer; Thomas-Etelle Ephraim, Ex-Officio; Mockiya Owen and Yakiah Patience.
