By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

OSOGBO — Pensioners in Osun State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office, while also calling for the payment of outstanding pension-related arrears owed to retirees.

The pensioners, who declared their support for Adeleke’s re-election bid, urged the state government to pay the outstanding N18,000 minimum wage arrears for 2011 and 2012, as well as the 145 per cent and 35 per cent consequential salary increments due to members of the union.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Osun State NUP Chairman, Mr. Ola Odefisayo, urged public office holders to use their positions for the benefit of the people.

He said the union’s decision to endorse Adeleke was informed by the attention his administration has given to pensioners’ welfare.

“Considering the contribution of our governor to reducing the death rate and suffering among pensioners, we are endorsing him for a second term to continue his good works.

“We also appreciate the governor’s commitment to the payment of the arrears of half salaries owed by the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the implementation of the N25,000 pension across board, and the enrolment of our members in the State Health Insurance Scheme, among other initiatives,” Odefisayo said.

Responding to the endorsement, Governor Adeleke urged the pensioners to complement their support with votes during the August 15 governorship election.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of both serving and retired workers, assuring them that more efforts would be made to improve their living conditions if re-elected.

“Respected elders, your endorsement for me today carries responsibilities on both sides. While we remain committed to keeping faith with our promises, I humbly urge you to translate your confidence into concrete support.

“I therefore encourage you to come out en masse on August 15 and vote for continuity. This is necessary to consolidate the progress recorded in pension administration and other sectors of the state’s economy,” Adeleke said.