A faction of the pensioners in Osun state known as the triangular group, has berated the forum of 2011/2012 pensioners who protested non-payment of their 15 months arrears on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The triangular group led by Prince Rotimi Adelugba, who spoke to newsmen in Osogbo, on Wednesday evening, said the claim of their colleagues, that the government owed arrears of 15 months pension was “false.”
The forum 2011/2012, led by Yemi Lawal, had alleged that the state Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, diverted N6.3 billion Paris Club refund, released to the state recently to offset backlog of salaries and pensions.
But the triangular group said the state has not received Paris Club refund recently, noting that the state government has been paying their pensions regularly.
“As concerned pensioners, we are constrained to state that our colleagues’ allegations are far from the truth.
“Since the current Administration assumed office over six months ago, it has ensured full payment of our monthly pension and wages to all levels as and when due in line with its promise, and subject to release of allocations from the Federal Government as it is pubic knowledge that the State Government is making efforts to improve its internally generated revenue base.
“As we are all aware, not all of us pensioners are being owed the 15 months pension arrears.
“Our findings reveal that government has not received any Paris Club Refund as claimed by our colleagues. We are also not aware that other states have been paid the Paris Club Refund.
“We are also in receipt of the information that some of our colleagues have collected their bonds recently and that some are ready for collection.
“Government’s ability to keep its promise to fully pay pensioners’ arrears and gratuity as promised is enough reason for us to believe them that they will pay our pension arrears when the funds are available.
“We appeal to our colleagues to understand and appreciate the constraints and efforts of government and to maintain the peace as government works hard to take care of our needs and welfare”, the triangular stated.
