Adebayo Adenrele
The Pensioners Association of Nigeria (PAN), Ekiti State Chapter has experienced a surge in its membership barely two months of its establishment.
The Chairman, Comrade Joel Akinola confirmed that more Pensioners in the state have continued to show interest in the association, noting that PAN had recorded tremendous progress and acceptability beyond expectation.
Akinola who spoke with newsmen at the Secretariat of the Association along Bank Road, Ado Ekiti, said that PAN was established to provide sustainable platform for Pensioners to agitate and seek an improved attention of government as far as their welfare is concern.
The Chairman alleged that NUP failed pensioners in Ekiti especially under the new crop of leaders whom he described as greedy and incentive to the plight of Pensioners but only concerned about their selfish gains.
His words, “So far, we have mobilised our members across all 16 local government areas, as it is customary. We also have the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN) with us, so we are united and well-organised.
“The message to pensioners in Ekiti State is that we have found a new beginning. In the past, we lived in poverty, rejection, and neglect but now, light has come. PAN has become that light. PAN was established to fight for the welfare of our members, including the payment of outstanding gratuities, pensions, and healthcare needs. The present administration has already started addressing these issues, but we want the progress to continue,”.
The Chairman also criticised the leadership style of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), highlighting what he sees as a lack of selfless leadership.
“Leaders should possess a level of self-denial. The interests of members should come before personal gains, because to whom much is given, much is expected. Unfortunately, that has not been the case with NUP.”
“PAN is registered and we have submitted our certificate of registration to the appropriate authorities. The government recognises us. I recall the Governor, in one of his addresses, referred to us as his parents and said he would never want to see us suffer. He gave us that assurance himself. With such a commitment, why should our members choose to remain in hardship?
“I have said this many times this association has a future. Anyone who believes in a better tomorrow is welcome to join us. Membership is voluntary, and indeed, people have been joining. No one wants to remain in poverty or suffering”.
He appreciated Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the regular payment of pension and approval of huge amounts for the payment of outstanding gratuities, thus reducing the backlog of debt from about fifty billion to twenty one billion.
However, Akinola urged the Governor not to be discouraged by the attitude of the current leadership of NUP, hence he should continue in the lofty spirit by releasing more funds for payment of their gratuities.
Other members who spoke said they decided to Join PAN because of the confidence in the leadership urging Governor Oyebanji to support the association.
