ANAMBRA ABS PENSIONERS CRY OUT OVER 8-YEAR GRATUITY ARREARS, ₦150M PENSION BACKLOG, UNPAID ₦10K PALLIATIVE
–Demand Urgent Intervention From Gov. Soludo
By Felix Oti, Awka
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Chapter led by Comrade Engr. Bony Ezeani, has cried out over the non-payment of gratuity, pension arrears and palliative awards running into several years, describing the situation as “inhuman and unacceptable.”
In a statement after its meeting, the Chairman of the Chapter, Comrade Ezani, said no ABS retiree has received gratuity since 2017, while pension arrears owed by government have grown to about ₦150 million and continue to increase as more workers retire.
The union also decried the non-payment of the ₦10,000 monthly award/palliative announced by the state government 22 months ago.
According to Ezan, while other pensioners in the state have reportedly benefited, ABS pensioners have been completely excluded.
“We served Anambra State for 30 to 35 years, some of us retired at 60. Today we are treated as if we are not part of Anambra State. This is very painful,” Ezan stated.
He cited the case of Mr. George Edwards, a former ABS presenter who has been on a sick bed for over 7 years, saying the unpaid ₦10,000 x 22 months would have gone a long way in supporting his treatment and that of many other ailing pensioners.
The Chairman disclosed that the union has written over 12 letters to the Head of Service, Chief of Staff, Secretary to the State Government and Governor Chukwuma Soludo, but no response has been received. He added that an appointment secured with the Head of Service last month was cancelled two days before the date, with no new date given.
“Gratuity is the only bulk money a retiree can use to start a new life. Our members are dying, some are hospitalized. We are asking: is there a second category of pensioners in Anambra State?” he queried.
The ABS Pensioners appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently intervene and ensure the payment of all outstanding gratuities, pension arrears and the ₦10,000 palliative to bring relief to the suffering retirees and their families.
They further called on well-meaning individuals, civil society groups, and the media to lend their voices to the plight of ABS pensioners who gave their best years to public service.
