By Chioma Onuegbu, Uyo

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has appealed to Governor Umo Eno to grant them an audience on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to discuss issues related to local government autonomy and its impact on the payment of pensions and gratuities.

This appeal was made during an enlarged meeting of the union’s Executive Committee held on Tuesday in Uyo, according to a statement released yesterday.

The pensioners emphasized the need to address local government autonomy with the governor to avoid a repeat of challenges faced during the previous autonomy period of 1990.

The statement was endorsed by:

Obong Ekpenyong Ekpo (JP), Chairman

Obong Cosmos Essien, Secretary

Hon. Emmanuel Udoaka, Secretary, Retired Primary School Teachers

Dr. Mrs. Uduak Udohaya, Chairman, Local Chapter

Revd. Felix Cookey, Chairman, Retired Primary School Teachers

The pensioners noted:

“Your Excellency, we are making a passionate appeal for the payment of Consequential Adjustment as stipulated by the Salary & Wages Commission on Circular No. SWC/3/04/S./542/II/296 and the 20% Pension Review as set out by Circular No. SWC/S/04/S.542/II/449.

“We also request an audience on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to discuss local government autonomy and its impact on pension and gratuity payments to prevent issues like those experienced during the 1990 autonomy.”

The union expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for releasing up to ₦28 billion to address accumulated gratuity arrears and for agreeing to pay ₦32,000 as pension payments at the end of the month in lieu of the ₦70,000 minimum wage for pensioners in the state.

The pensioners further appealed to the governor to consider their plight during the current economic challenges, noting that the cost of essential medications for the elderly has become unaffordable.

They also urged Governor Eno to establish an Akwa Ibom State Bureau of Pensions similar to those in other South-South states. The proposed bureau would include departments for civil pensioners and local government pensions under a dedicated chairman.