Members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Kwara state chapter, have commended the state Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, over the prompt payment of pensions, arrears, and gratuities in the state.
The Chairman of the union, Comrade Saidu Oladimeji, who described the governor as a God-sent, he said he came to rescue pensioners, particularly at local government areas from the perpetual sufferings in the hands of successive governments in the state.
According to him, “we are here on behalf of over 32,000 pensioners to appreciate the governor for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners in the state. “We suffered a lot under the previous governments. Only a few of us are luckily spared from the suffering.
“As a result of this, more than 3,500 of my members died. April 2015 was the worst in history when amputated pension payments came in. “We pleaded for full payment for retired junior officers, but yet they were paid in percentage.”
The NUP chairman, who led other executive members on the visit, said the era of percentage was over. He said that pensioners now receive their entitlements in full and were paid as and when due. “If it were possible to amend the constitution on our part, we would seek a third term for the governor because of the wonderful work he is doing,” he said.
Also speaking, the executive chairman of the commission, Alhaji Umaru Shero, appreciated the Union members for the visit, saying that the visit would give the government confidence that the senior citizens are happy and joyous. He also commended the state NUP for the show of understanding since the government came on board.
The chairman, who promised to transmit the message of the pension- ers to the governor, said that, “Your coming has given us confidence of your happiness and joy.