Pensioners in Gombe State on Wednesday held a peaceful protest over non-payment of their monthly pension and gratuities.
The senior citizens blocked the main gate of the Gombe State Government House, vowing to sit tight until they submit a complaint letter to Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya.
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The state Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Muhammad Abubakar who led the pensioners on the peaceful protest, said the state government owed their members gratuities over nine years after they retired from service.
The blockage halted entry and exit from the Government House, paralysing activities at the seat of power.
The pensioners demanded inclusion of over 700 local government retirees who left service over two years ago, but were not enrolled to start collecting their monthly pension.
They also accused the government of withholding the pension of Gombe Local Council retirees for over four months.
“Our members are unable to foot bills for food, hospital, school fees, rent and fees for their medications.
“This cannot and shouldn’t continue because it is our entitlements we are asking,” the chairman said.
At the time of filing this report, neither the governor nor any government officials attend to the senior citizens.
