2027 elections: Ebonyi pensioners again Nwifuru, demand N32,000 minimal wage

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has endorsed Ebonyi state Governor, Francis Nwifuru, for a second time period in workplace, urging its members to reciprocate his administration’s cost of pension and gratuity arrears by voting for him within the 2027 governorship election.

The endorsement was introduced on Thursday in Abakaliki through the presentation of an award to Nwifuru as essentially the most pensioner-friendly governor, following what the union described as unprecedented interventions within the welfare of retired staff.

Speaking on the occasion, the National President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, represented by his deputy, Abdulahi Onuh, recommended the governor for clearing excellent pension and gratuity arrears from 1996 until date.

Onuh described the clearance of decades-long pension obligations as a exceptional achievement, saying Nwifuru had distinguished himself amongst governors within the nation via his dedication to pensioners’ welfare.

He, nonetheless, appealed to the governor to increase the N32,000 minimal month-to-month pension accepted on the federal stage to Ebonyi retirees, noting that pensioners deserved to take pleasure in the identical advantages as their counterparts in different states.

The NUP National President additionally careworn the necessity for pension harmonisation, describing periodic will increase in pension entitlements for granted assured by the Constitution reasonably than a privilege, whereas appreciating the state authorities’s plan to enrol pensioners in its medical insurance scheme.

He urged pensioners to mobilise their households and associates to assist Nwifuru’s re-election, saying the governor deserved appreciation for lowering the monetary burden beforehand positioned on retirees and their youngsters over medical bills.

Similarly, the Ebonyi state Chairman of NUP, Comrade Anna Ibiam, stated pensioners had endured years of unpaid pensions and gratuities earlier than the emergence of Nwifuru, lamenting that some retirees died with out receiving their entitlements.

Ibiam stated the governor had modified their story via common cost of month-to-month pensions and clearance of gratuity arrears courting again to 1996, including that Ebonyi pensioners have been now higher positioned than their counterparts in different South-East states.

She stated the state council of NUP had unanimously resolved to honour and endorse Nwifuru for a second time period, describing him as essentially the most pensioner-friendly governor within the South-East.

The Executive Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Comrade Emeka Nwonu, recommended the pensioners for recognising the governor’s interventions and urged them to maintain their assist through the 2027 election.

Responding, Nwifuru, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike, thanked the union for the award and endorsement, describing the gesture as an illustration of gratitude for his administration’s efforts.

Umezuruike assured that the federal government would proceed to enhance the welfare of staff and pensioners, urging the retirees to mobilise their youngsters, grandchildren and different family members to vote for the governor within the 2027 election.