The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on the federal and state governments to make pension payment a first-line charge to put an end to all forms of ill treatment of pensioners in the country.
NUP also called on the private sector employers to take the issue of workers’ welfare seriously.
The union in its Independence anniversary message by its National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, applauded pensioners for their efforts at building Nigeria and noted that the dream for a better Nigeria must be maintained and achieved by workers of today.
“As we mark the 62nd Independent Day anniversary of our beautiful country, we make bold to say that Nigerian pensioners across board truly deserve accolades and best treatment.
“We need not tell anybody that you worked hard in your youthful days, and contributed immeasurably in the pursuit for a better and greater Nigeria. You all are indeed the heroes of this great country and you deserved to be celebrated.
“In every sector across the nook and cranny of our country, your efforts, strength, sweat and perseverance were the magic wand that transformed and ushered in this Nigeria where more opportunities and possibilities abounds.
“The men and women who are working harder today in every facet of the economic to bring to life the dream of a better Nigeria, a Nigeria that works for all, a Nigeria where both Federal and State governments pay pension regularly, are doing so because you started the journey and you created the dream yesterday.
“We call for the payment of all pending pension arrears and entitlements owed to Federal pensioners of different sector.
“We demand that State Governors without further delay offsets all pension arrears, gratuity and entitlements owed to a State pensioners. History will judge you favourably for not withholding the rights and sweat of the older people whose means of livelihood are in your hands. Your shall also be judged otherwise if you refuse to do the right thing,” the NUP said.
