The
last time I checked painstakingly, Imo pensioners were no longer seen as
‘senior citizens’ but vulnerable individuals, probably because they are
currently not unlike toothless bulldogs contrary to what they are known for.
Their present pathetic physiognomy is occasioned by the ill-treatment they have
received from the state government thus far.
It’s noteworthy that 36 months arrears
of pension are accruable to the said retirees. Recently, the government led by
Governor Rochas Okorocha pledged to clear 13 months out of the aforementioned
months owed them. Afterwards, the government proposed to pay only 40 per cent
(40%) of the total amount involved due to the ongoing economic downturn, but the
proposal was reportedly rejected by the Imo State chapter of the Nigerian Union
of Pensioners (NUP) as was disclosed by its chairman, Mr. Gideon Ezeji.
Funnily enough, without minding the
refusal, the government went ahead to distribute forms among the pensioners for
them to enter an unconditional undertaking. The form entitled ‘Letter of set
off in respect of my outstanding pension arrears’ was targeted to persuade the
pensioners towards accepting the proposed 40% payment as well as forfeit the remaining
23 months that would be left after the payment. The letter meant to be duly
signed by each of the recipients read in part, ‘I do hereby release and
discharge the Imo State Government and its agents from all past, present and
future liability and from all actions, claims and demands in respect of the
said accumulated Pension Arrears.’
The leadership of the state’s NUP had to
cry foul, stating that the government never sought their consent before
distributing the forms, thereby urged the pensioners to ignore them. However,
it’s worth noting that, owing to hunger and frustration, most of these supposed
senior citizens had already filled the form prior to the arrival of the
directive; it suffices to say that they were left with no choice.
The final resolution of the pensioners
was that the government should pay any amount cum number of months it could
afford and leave the remaining for posterity rather than asking them to sign a
‘death warrant’ against their wish. The bone of contention remains that these
people are very hungry – thus can cope with any payment at the moment – but not
to bludgeon them into submission. Yes they are vulnerable, but not insane.
Perhaps they are avoiding following the
footsteps of the Imo civil servants, which are currently telling on the
workers. Some months ago, the leadership of the Imo branch of the Nigerian
Labour Congress (NLC) led by Mr. Austin Chilakpu, on behalf of the workers,
signed an agreement with the government accepting to be paid 70 per cent of the
monthly wages due them. Though the step was commendable because it was able to
settle the lingered impasse between the two parties, most analysts argued that
the NLC goofed. And right now, the workers – particularly those of low cadre –
are seriously complaining that the 70% is just a peanut.
So, if 70 per cent could be referred to
as a ‘peanut’ by someone who is still in service, how would a pensioner regard
40 per cent of his/her pension if eventually paid? The question might seem
rhetorical but its answer would definitely serve as a pathway toward
acknowledging what actually is at stake on the part of the teeming pensioners.
It would equally interest, perhaps shock you to note that the gratuities of
most of these retirees are yet to be cleared. We are not unaware of the
economic meltdown being experienced across the federation, which Imo isn’t an
exception, but using it as the basis to subject the revered pensioners to
uncalled torture and slavery is completely unacceptable; hence, such a weird
idea ought to be jettisoned headlong.
I’m not trying to make a case with the
government, neither am I in any way putting up a quarrel. On the contrary, I
only intend to let it comprehend that the people in question are dropping dead
on a daily basis as a result of famine and financial vulnerability. Aside lack
of food, an average pensioner in the state, alongside their counterparts in
other states that share common fate, can no longer foot his/her hospital bills,
thus would prefer to remain at home even when the need to see a physician is
compelling or so glaring. As I reprimand Imo, other states owing pensions
shouldn’t exonerate themselves.
When people begin to beg for their
rights, you needn’t be told that things are not anymore at ease; you need not
be informed that the constitution is no longer seen as a sacred document; you
needn’t be notified that rights have been mistaken for privileges.
Notwithstanding, in such a circumstance, we are required to deploy dialogue
because resorting to suing the erring party might linger the moment of hardship
thereby causing more harm. In other words, we are only expected to sue for
peace.
To this end, I’m earnestly appealing to
the governor to wear a human face while addressing this issue. The condition
currently faced by these persons that have served the country meritoriously is
really unbearable and untold, hence, shouldn’t be overlooked by anyone that
means well for humankind. Even the few Nigerians who are steady income earners
still lament that there’s severe hunger in the land, let alone those who can’t
boast of a dime in a whole month.
Though the suffering is much, I enjoin
the senior citizens and Imolites at large, to give the government the benefit
of the doubt. Let’s not allow our resentment to constitute further damage
rather than seek redress. Think about it!
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