The Abia Pensioners’ Forum, a faction within the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), has rejected a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the state government and NUP leadership. The agreement requires pensioners to forfeit their gratuities and a portion of their pension arrears.
The pensioners are calling for the complete payment of their arrears and gratuities. At a press conference in Umuahia, the group’s coordinator, Okey Kanu, accused the previous administrations of miscalculating and inadequately paying pension arrears. While they praised Governor Alex Otti for addressing past debts, they urged him to ensure full payment rather than a partial settlement.
The group also criticized the secrecy surrounding the MoA and questioned why negotiations were held with pensioners who have been financially disadvantaged. They have called on Governor Otti to annul the MoA and provide the full arrears and gratuities.
In response, Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu labeled the pensioners’ actions as unfair and labeled them as attempts at blackmail rather than constructive engagement. He stated that the government’s payment was final and that any future discussions should be conducted through the recognized pensioner leadership rather than splinter groups.