Pensioners in Benue State to Embark on Indefinite Peaceful Protest

Pensioners in Benue State on Friday 30 August 2019 notified the state government of plans to embark on indefinite peaceful protest, effective from Wednesday 04 September 2019, to press for the payment of pensions and gratuities of retired public civil servants in the state.

In a statement by the Chairman and Assistant Secretary of Benue State Pensioners Union, Mr Peter Ikyado and Mr James Mac-Mtsor, the retired workers accused the state government of creating division among the pensioners.

The pensioners complained that they have ran out of patience because they have written series of letters to the State Government without receiving any meaningful response.

The pensioners listed their demands to include, immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears at both the state and local government levels, payment of monthly pensions, monthly release of N1bn for the payment of gratuities till all the outstanding gratuities are settled, among others.

Below is an extract from the Statement,

“The situation is rather deteriorating as government has extended its segmentation payment at the local government level to the state, thereby instituting “divide-and-rule” system and disunity amongst the pensioners.

“In the light of the foregoing, the pensioners, both at the state and local government areas, have decided to embark on an indefinite peaceful protest across the state with effect from September 4, 2019 until our demands are met.”