The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Abia State has rejected claims by Governor Alex Otti’s administration that pension arrears have been cleared. The union is calling for a review of the MOA, accusing the government of dishonesty and coercion.
The Abia State branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has refuted claims by the state government, led by Governor Alex Chioma Otti, that all pension arrears and gratuities owed to retired workers have been cleared. The union, through a press conference held on October 25, 2024, provided a detailed account of their ongoing struggle since the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) earlier in the year, revealing that the government’s promises remain unfulfilled.
According to the union, Governor Otti, upon assuming office, promised to clear all outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees by December 2023. However, a verification exercise later revealed that the amount required far exceeded initial estimates, jumping from N10 billion to N30 billion. The governor proposed a new template for payment, offering percentages based on the arrears owed, but the union requested revisions, seeking a higher payout for pensioners.
A series of meetings between the NUP executive and government officials followed, with no clear resolutions. The union expressed disappointment in the handling of the matter, accusing the state government of stalling, dishonesty, and attempting to coerce pensioners into waiving their entitlements.
The NUP’s position hardened after they discovered that only 10 months of pension arrears incurred during the current administration had been cleared, while the 45 months of arrears from previous administrations remain unpaid. Furthermore, they accused the government of preparing and forcing them to sign an MOA that falsely claimed pensioners had waived their rights to these arrears and gratuities.
In their press conference, the NUP leadership, led by State Chairman Elder Chukwuemeka Irondi, called on Governor Otti to honor his campaign promises or openly declare that his administration will not settle the debt. The union also demanded a review of the MOA under the provisions for dispute resolution outlined in the document, and they have appealed to both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the national body of the NUP for support.
Despite multiple letters and appeals, the NUP claims they have been unable to secure a direct audience with the governor, further fueling concerns that pensioners are being sidelined in favor of other government priorities.
They went further to appreciate the governor and government for making sure they get their pensions every month as promised and that they desire this issue be resolved on time.
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