Akwa Ibom Pensioners endorse Tinubu, Eno, Akpabio for 2027 re-election as Governor announces fresh benefits

Tony Okoh, Uyo

Retired workers in Akwa Ibom State, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Umo Eno, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for re-election in the 2027 general elections.

The endorsement followed a special appreciation rally organised by the pensioners at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo, where they presented Governor Eno with a merit award in recognition of his administration’s welfare interventions and efforts towards improving the living conditions of retired public servants.

At the event, Governor Eno announced a 13th-month pension bonus for all pensioners in the state, alongside a one-time welfare support of ₦10,000 for each retiree in November 2026. The benefits are expected to cover more than 28,000 pensioners across the state.

The governor also disclosed that his administration supported the organisation of the rally with ₦50 million, describing the welfare of retired workers as a responsibility government must take seriously in appreciation of their years of meritorious service.

Expressing appreciation for the pensioners’ show of gratitude and impressive organisation of the event, Eno assured them that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of retirees and elderly citizens.

“This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organization. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.

“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,” the governor said.

Eno encouraged pensioners aged 65 and above to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, noting that the programme provides free access to healthcare for eligible elderly residents.

On the payment of outstanding gratuities, the governor disclosed that his administration had paid ₦100 billion out of the inherited ₦111 billion backlog accumulated since 2012.

He assured that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the expiration of his first term, while commending President Tinubu for making more financial resources available to state governments.

According to him, the increased financial resources have enabled his administration to fulfil its commitments on pension and gratuity payments.

The governor subsequently urged the pensioners to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continuity would sustain the availability of funds for pension payments, gratuity settlements and other welfare interventions.

He also appealed to pensioners, particularly those from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, to support the re-election of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

In his remarks, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Governor Eno for what he described as his compassion and commitment to the welfare of retired workers in Akwa Ibom.

Abumisi praised the governor’s leadership and development initiatives, urging pensioners across the state to support his second-term ambition in the 2027 governorship election.

Earlier, the State Chairman of the union, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, expressed appreciation to the governor for what he described as his compassionate and impactful leadership.

Nkodo said Eno’s administration had demonstrated concern for the welfare of elderly citizens and retired public servants through policies and interventions aimed at improving their living conditions.

He described the governor as a leader who listens to the concerns of the people and responds through policies capable of transforming their circumstances.

The pensioners’ chairman further acknowledged the release of over ₦100 billion towards the payment of inherited gratuity arrears dating back to 2012, expressing hope that the remaining balance would be settled.

He also pledged the union’s continued support for the governor’s administration.

The endorsement was formally adopted following a motion moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr Mrs Uduak Udoaka.

The motion received unanimous support from the pensioners, who endorsed Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno and other APC candidates for the 2027 general elections.

The rally attracted a large turnout of retired workers, many of whom remained at the venue despite the rainfall to demonstrate their appreciation and support for the governor.