Ogun LG Pensioners Want Harmonization Of N30,000 Monthly Gratuity

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ABEOKUTA - Local Government pensioners in Ogun State have demand for upward review of their N5,000 monthly gratuity to N30,000.

This, according to them, would allow them enjoy the sweat of their labour while alive.

The LOGPAN State Chairman, Chief Sikiru Ayilara said this in a press briefing held at the association’s Secretariat, Ita-Oshin, Abeokuta.

He condemned the governor's action for owing pensioners their gratuities after his father had implored him to pay them at the point of his death.

He raised concern that many of its members are dying like chickens after “35 years of patriotic service to Ogun State”.

The LOGPAN chairman claimed the governor failed to meet with them despite writing 14 letters.

He demanded for rescheduling of outstanding gratuity payment from N500million every three months to at least N2billion monthly to clear the N68billion unpaid gratuity.

He said, “It remains a fact that failure on the part of any governments at all levels to take proper care of retirees will no doubt discourages patriotism thus encourages taking undue advantage of public fund.

“Facing the reality at eleventh hour of our lives, that Gov Dapo Abiodun in whom we nurtured brighter hope of receiving the fruitage of our hard labour, has resolved to treat us as ‘used and dumped’ is nothing but a distressing reality.

“How on earth will a Governor – a mortal – chooses to ignore fourteen letters from the Senior Citizens (the aged) who as a result of the neglect die as chickens after 35 years of patriotic service to the State. What a disrespectful Governor to humanity, most especially, the aged!

“The truth is, in the last three years, Gov Abiodun has been giving flimsy excuses; insufficient funds to clear the ₦68bn.

“Gov Abiodun’s non-clearing of our Gratuities is even a dishonour to all fathers and mothers, particularly his own father who appealed to him at the point of death to cater for the aged.

“Meanwhile, according to a Holy Book, whoever dishonor the aged should not expect Divine favour!

“We are not only asking for the implementation of 33.4% increase in Pensions which could only peg the monthly minimum Pensions at N7,000. We want immediate harmonization of monthly pension from ₦5,000 to start from at least ₦30,000 or how would Mr Governor expects Pensioners who have worked for between ten and thirty-five years to continue receiving ₦5,000 as monthly pension in a State that pays ₦30,500 as minimum wage!

“We don’t want the payment of ₦1.5bn arrears of the quarterly ₦500m as requested by the NUP, all that we are asking for is the re-scheduling of outstanding Gratuity payment from ₦500m every three months to at least ₦2bn mnthly, so that we can receive our Gratuity while alive.

“And thirdly, Gov Abiodun should restore the principal responsibility of Bureau of Local Govt Pension by directing the Ministry of Finance to handoff from doing the payment of Gratuity.”

The chairman further stated that the union and their children will vote against the governor in the forthcoming general election.

“It appears we will have no other options than to persuade our children to work against his re-election in 2023."