The National Association of Retirees of State Governments has threatened a nationwide protest unless governors urgently review pension payments in line with existing labour laws.
Mr. Simon Anchaver, President of the union, made the call in Yenagoa during the inauguration of the Bayelsa interim executive of the newly registered union.
The union demanded that all 36 governors prioritise pension payments. It also called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Ministry for Pension Affairs to guarantee annual budgetary allocations for pensioners’ welfare.
The union criticised the arbitrary payment of pensions by some governors but commended Nasarawa State Governor for releasing N7 billion to clear pension arrears and gratuities.
The National Secretary, Bipre Ndiomu, said the union was newly registered and currently inaugurating state executives. He urged governors to put measures in place to ensure pensioners’ welfare, saying, “Pensioners do not have to suffer.”
In his remarks, the Bayelsa Head of Service, Dr. Wisdom Sawyer, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Establishment, Training, and Pension Bureau, Dr. Charles Enuma, urged the executive to serve as a bridge between retirees and government. He assured the union that the state government was open to engagement on outstanding issues.
The newly inaugurated state chairman, Bazigha Tanwei, pledged an open-door policy, regular consultations with members, and sustained advocacy with the state government to clear arrears.
Other members include Chief Patrick Weridongha, Vice Chairman; Engr. Tiekuro Ndiomu, Secretary; Bibobra Erebi, Woman Coordinator; 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; and Mockiya Owen and Yakiah Patience.
