The
last time I checked, the teeming Imo pensioners who were looking hungry and
weary were earnestly looking up to the governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha to do
the needful. This set of individuals otherwise known as ‘senior citizens’ could
not at the moment fathom what actually their fate entails.
During the last festive season, they
were asked by the government to tender their particulars to enable the latter
verify their eligibility. It’s noteworthy that the said verification had before
the period in review taken place for the umpteenth time. Even at that, the
hungry-seeming retirees never hesitated to do as requested, perhaps towards
averting any iota of room to deny them of their individual rights.
Within the same era, the governor
announced to the pensioners during their courtesy call on him at his country
home, Ogboko that three months of their pension arrears had already been
endorsed by his person, hence informed that the approved payment would soonest
be received by them. They were consoled by his seeming fatherly words since
they say a “hopeful hunger does not kill the bearer”.
Just two weeks ago, they were reassured by the
government that the approved three months arrears would be outrightly paid to
them as soon as the “ongoing verification” was over. The notice implied that
the verification that commenced in December, 2017 was yet to be concluded as at
February 2018, two months after.
What else did one expects from the
retirees on hearing suchlike assurance than to remain calm, speechless and
hopeful? It is obvious that only their optimism has hitherto remained their
prime succour ever since the bitter odyssey began. If they have despaired at
any time all these while, I’m afraid, the unspeakable would have occurred in
their respective lives.
This is happening after they were
promised in strong terms that their pensions would be paid regularly in full,
starting from January 2017. Funnily enough, throughout last year, only three
months were paid to these senior citizens who have sacrificed enormously for
the Rescue Mission Government. Yet, they remain faithful to the government,
probably owing to the perceived notion that only the number one citizen could
determine their fate.
Acknowledging
that those who meritoriously retired from service over five years ago till date
are yet to receive their gratuities is enough reason to extend fathomless pity
or sympathy to the people in question. It is apparent that they are not anymore
bothered about their gratuity; rather, are only concerned over their monthly
pension. It suffices to assert that they have inadvertently started seeing any
of the above as privileges, and not rights; perhaps as a result of lack of
immunity to fight for the latter.
Notwithstanding, this piece is coming
from a different angle. It is informed by the compelling need to notify the
governor that if adequate and drastic measure isn’t taken, these retirees might
be dropping dead considering how hungry and devastated they appear at the
moment. The piece is occasioned by the need to inform the number one citizen
that these pensioners have been placed in an unnecessary prolonged wait, hence
the need to expedite action with a view to averting doom.
Most times, some of these pensioners
come to, or call, me to enquire the way forward or what the Rescue Mission has
for them, believing I’m part and parcel of the government. Each time they did,
I kept telling them that the government meant well for them, thus urging them
to exercise more patience. I have been doing so only for the sole purpose of
maintain peace and tranquility in the polity. But it seems they have started
misunderstanding my stance or where I’m coming from; needless to say that they
now see me as one who is against their welfare, or doesn’t care about their
plights.
I want to use this medium to disabuse
them of that notion. The least I would do or ever think of is to claim
ignorance of their predicament. For crying out loud; their problem is glaring
that only the blind could be pardoned if he claims ignorance of it. I have for
the umpteenth time mediated between them and the government; such gesture of
mine is enough indication that I sincerely care so much about their welfare.
But as much as I truly feel their pains, as a stakeholder in Imo, I equally
want peace to reign in the state.
I’ve in most cases made effort not to
be emotional whenever I’m writing or speaking about the retirees’ lingering
plight. This is the reason I’m immensely appealing to the concerned authorities
not to push my humble pen or tongue to the wall; because if they do, the
foreseen consequence won’t augur well for the entire Eastern Heartland, I in
particular.
In
view of the above, I enjoin Gov. Okorocha to please cuddle these pensioners
toward giving them a sense of belonging. We ought not to allow them to feel
abandoned or neglected irrespective of the circumstance. They should at all
times be told, in practical terms, that they are truly senior citizens. Their
patience has proven beyond doubts how much they love the government in spite of
all odds, hence the need to sincerely cherish and adore them.
The ongoing scenario becomes so
confusing when realized that the Rescue Mission Administration was seemingly so
keen to make the pensioners its beloved friends the moment it came on board in
2011. It would be recalled that the government outrightly cleared arrears of
pensions accruable to the retirees within the said year.
But, thereafter till date, the reverse
has been the case. How can we reconcile this? Think about it!
Comrade FDN Nwaozor
Executive Director, Docfred Resource Hub (DRH) - Owerri
_________________________________
frednwaozor@gmail.com
Follow me: @mediambassador
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