Adebayo Adenrele
Pensioners under the auspices of the Pensioners Association of Nigeria (PAN), Ekiti State, have alleged that politicians are behind the activities and recent criticisms by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) against the State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, describing them as sponsored attempts to discredit the state government.
Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Chairman of the Association, Joel Akinola said pensioners as elders were expected to be truthful and objective, warning that partisan interests and political sponsorship were now driving unnecessary agitation and public attacks against Governor Oyebanji.
Recall that Ekiti NUP, under the leadership of Adetola Popoola alleged the state government of neglecting the welfare of pensioners in the state, by not attending to their needs as and when due.
According to Akinola, pensioners’ welfare has received unprecedented attention since the current administration assumed office, contrary to the narratives being promoted by NUP.
He recalled that the Governor inherited enormous liabilities, including seven months of unpaid pensions for local government retirees, three months for state pensioners, about ₦48 billion in gratuity arrears and five months of unpaid union check-off dues.
Akinola said it was therefore unfair for NUP, sponsored by politicians, to ridicule or malign a government that had demonstrably prioritised pensioners’ welfare.
He concluded by urging pensioners and the public to verify facts and avoid being used as tools by politicians, noting that a fair comparison between the present and past administrations clearly showed significant improvement in pensioners’ welfare.
His words, “As pensioners, we are elderly people who served meritoriously before retirement. Therefore, our views are expected to be truthful and objective, except where personal or partisan interests interfere. So far, our experience with this administration has been commendable.
“When the governor assumed office, he inherited severe liabilities, including seven months of unpaid pensions for local government pensioners, three months for state pensioners, ₦48 billion in gratuity arrears and five months of unpaid union check-off dues. Pensioners were also compelled under the previous administration to forfeit up to 25% of their gratuities.
“Despite these challenges, the present government has cleared all outstanding pension arrears. Today, no pensioner in the state is owed any pension. On gratuities, the administration has steadily reduced the inherited debt and recently released over ₦2 billion to pay arrears from 2015 and 2016.
“The governor has also institutionalised government participation in Pensioners’ Day celebrations, something no previous administration did. He attends personally, supports the events financially, donated an 18-seater bus, and provided ₦10 million during the 2024 celebration. Such gestures are unprecedented in the state and rare in Nigeria.
“It is therefore unfair and ungrateful to ridicule or malign a government that is performing well. Constructive engagement, dialogue, and peaceful persuasion, not blackmail or incitement are the appropriate ways to relate with government, especially as elders.
“Facts should always be verified. A fair comparison between the present and past administrations will clearly show improved welfare for pensioners. Appreciating good governance encourages continuity; condemning it discourages progress. In Ekiti State, we value and promote what is good”.
