Pensioners’ plight: FENRAD calls on Abia State Government to implement enforceable payment agreement

Stanley Ihedigbo

Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has urged Governor Alex Otti of Abia State to intervene in the plight of pensioners in the state.

In a letter to the governor, signed by the group Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD expressed concerns over the non-payment of pension arrears and the introduction of an unjust forfeiture agreement.

FENRAD noted that despite promises from the government, Abia State has experienced a backlog of unpaid pensions, leaving many retirees in severe economic hardship.

The organization commended Governor Otti’s administration for prompt payment of pensions but expressed worries over the recent move to introduce a forfeiture agreement.

The agreement, FENRAD argued, further exacerbated the plight of pensioners by compelling them to relinquish a portion of their earned benefits.
The organization deemed this move illegal, unjust, and exploitative.

FENRAD demanded that the Abia State Government implement an Enforceable Payment Agreement (EPA) to guarantee timely and complete disbursement of funds to retirees.

The organization also urged the government to reject the forfeiture agreement, pay outstanding pension arrears and gratuities without delay, and reform the Pension Administration System and Structure (PASS) to ensure efficiency and fairness.

The organization called on Governor Otti to engage in meaningful discussions to ensure transparency and accountability in pension administration.

FENRAD emphasized that the suffering of senior citizens must not be ignored and appealed to the government to take immediate action to protect their rights and welfare.

As a non-governmental organization, FENRAD remains committed to advocating for justice and ensuring that pensioners receive their lawful entitlements.

The organization will continue to sustain its campaign to ensure that the Abia State Government lives up to its responsibility and fulfills its campaign promise of offsetting the backlog of pensions and gratuities.