We’ll vote only pension-friendly candidates in 2023 – Pensioners

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has vowed not to vote any presidential and gubernatorial candidate not committed to the plights of pensioners.

NUP President, Godwin Adumisi, at a press conference in Abuja Wednesday, said pensioners had been disregarded for too long in the country.

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 “The pensioners shall pitch their tent with the presidential and gubernatorial candidates who are committed and more disposed to their plights by massively casting their votes for them to secure their tomorrow.

“We’re still watching the candidates and in due time, we’ll inform the press and our members, those we’re going to vote for.

“If we perceive that if you come into government, you’ll not pay pensions and gratuity, we’ll openly tell pensioners and relatives not to vote for that particular candidate, ’’he said.

He commended the efforts of the Federal Government, through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) for its various efforts and operations.

He said PTAD had paid off by bringing succour and putting smiles on the faces of pensioners due to seamless management of their pensions.

Adumisi however, decried the non-compliance of some state governments in payment of members entitlements and refusal of most to review the amount  in line with the latest consequential adjustment of the pensions.

He appealed to the Federal Government to call on defaulting state governments to order.

He called on governors to immediately set up a joint committee with the NUP state councils to address the outstanding entitlements.

“I cannot end this address without mentioning the pathetic plight and unfortunate living condition of our state pensioners who are suffering from non-payment of their legitimate entitlements by their respective state governors.

“Even though many state governors are prompt in paying monthly pensions to our state pensioners, it is on records that majority of the state pensioners have not received a dime of their gratuity since retirement between five to ten years.

“More worrisome, almost all the state governors choose not to review the monthly pension of their retirees as provided in section 173(3) and 210(3) of the 1999 constitution (as amended)”, he said.(NAN)