South South Pensioners Demand Minimum Pension Of 30% Increase As Living Wage Allowance
By Anita Ogona
The South South Pensioners are demanding for minimum pension for Retired civil servants and senior citizens following the signing of the minimum wage increase by the federal government.
This was adopted by the Pensioners at the end of South South Zonal Meeting of Nigeria Union of Pensioners
Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the meeting, Zonal South South Chairmam, Dr Williams Seleipere, noted that in the past, it took government months, years to add or increase pension whenever there was adjustment
He urged government to begin preparation for the consequential adjustment to alleviate the sufferings of pensioners
Speaking also, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Collins Nwankwo, frowned at the slow rate at which state governments are paying gratuities in bits.
He urged state Governors to fast track implementation of the minimum wage
In his speech, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Alex Agwanwor,
represented by the Vice Chairman, Azubike Nkasiobu, stated that Port Harcourt is peaceful contrary to insinuations in the media that the state is not safe.
He disclosed that NUP Rivers State is a major affiliate of Nigeria Labour Congress in Rivers state and is always active in all Activities of NLC in the state.
Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, who was represented by the Director of Administration, Chimenem Mpi, expressed delight at the meeting as it would provide opportunity to discuss among themselves, the general well being of everybody.
He said, “State Government has been prompt in payment of pensions after the pensioners completed their biometric, contrary to what was obtainable in the past when retirees stayed for more than six months without payment after capturing”
According to him, “the Governor is working to increase the amount being paid pensioners to capture more people, and improve welfare of pensioners which is at the front burner under the administration of Governor Fubara. The Office of the Head of Service is always willing to work with the union to ensure that the interest of the pensioners are protected.”
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