Frequent verification train ploy to disclaim us our cash – Imo pensioners cry out

In a press assertion collectively signed by the Chairman of the Pensioners Intervention Committee, PIC, Iyke Ohaneje, and Secretary, Charles Amadi, the union expressed deep displeasure with the train. The pensioners said that they’re repeatedly compelled to queue for capturing throughout each verification, but nothing is achieved after losing their money and time.

“When an officer retires, they are issued an Identification Card, ID, to identify them whenever they have business with the government. Therefore, the verification exercise is a mere wastage of public funds, and those involved in this useless exercise should be surcharged.”

According to the union, withholding pensions is an act of negligence and disrespect for the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which stipulates that pensions are usually not a part of a Governor’s appropriation invoice and can’t be withheld no matter whether or not the appropriation invoice is permitted.

The NUP additionally famous a number of anomalies within the fee course of, stating that the State Accountant General, who’s legally mandated to disburse pensions, is not in command of the scheme. The union alleged that these at present managing the funds don’t perceive the extant legal guidelines and guidelines guiding pension advantages.

“They pay on whims and caprices, devoid of any logical rightness. That is why they claim to pay only those whose benefits are small, thereby breaking their oath of office, which states: ‘I shall do right to all manner of people without fear or favour, ill will or affection.’ This behaviour is also contrary to our national anthem, which reads: ‘God of all creation, grant this our one request; help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,'” the discharge added.

“If there is no money to pay everybody, payments should be distributed proportionately. In fact, a government contractor cannot even be audited for such an illegal job. Pensions should not be paid selectively to avoid stressing retirees; they should be paid on a definite date or within a fixed period.”

The pensioners additional famous that the federal government is allegedly creating pressure inside households by falsely claiming to have paid everybody. According to the union, this misinformation sparks unnecessary crises between retirees, their spouses, and collectors, reportedly resulting in misunderstandings and premature deaths.

Highlighting constitutional provisions, the Imo NUP emphasised that pensions ought to be harmonized each 5 years or alongside each wage improve, whichever comes first, to cushion the impression of inflation on the price of dwelling. However, the union regretted that no harmonization has taken place since 2003, leaving those that retired earlier than the introduction of the minimal wage with meagre month-to-month funds.

The union added that subjecting senior residents to frequent, pointless verifications exhibits disrespect to those that gave their greatest in service to the state. It additionally condemned the non-payment of demise advantages to the households of deceased retirees, noting that the apply violates Igbo cultural values of honouring the lifeless.

Finally, the NUP maintained that withholding pension funds is unpatriotic and illegal, because it violates Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and Section 18 of the Pension Act.