By Husseini Abubàkar.
The plight of pensioners in Kogi State has reached a critical point, and it’s imperative that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo takes immediate action to address their suffering. These elder statesmen, who have dedicated better parts of their productive lives to serving the nation and state, are now struggling to eke out a living as a result of the harsh economic realities coupled with non payment of their gratuities and meager monthly pensions they recieve.
Despite the State Governments efforts to establish a single Pension Commission, the system has failed to frontally address prompt and seamless payment of gratuities as envisaged, leaving many pensioners in penury for several years with some never getting a dime of their gratuities untill death takes them.
Allegations of party affiliation, sectional interest and other inimical factors have been reported to influence payment, leaving many without influence to continue to carry their cross.
Governor Ododo, known for his kind heart and commitment to improving the lives of Kogi citizens, should as a matter of urgency rise to the challenge and prioritize the welfare of these vulnerable citizens. There is no doubt that the current economic hardship has worsened the plight of these senior citizens, making it essential for the government to act without further delay.
We passionately appeal and urge Governor Ododo to:
1. Allocate a lump sum to the Pension Commission to clear the backlog of gratuities .
2. Harmonize pensions to ensure fairness and equity among pensioners.
3. Increase the monthly take home of pensioners to a living wage, in view of the current economic realities.
By addressing the plight of pensioners, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will not only receive the blessings of God, but also leave lasting legacy that will benefit generations to come. The time to act swiftly to reduce the pains of the senior citizens is now.
It is crucial for Governor Ododo to demonstrate his unawevring commitment to their welfare and cause positive change to bring new lease of life to the already improvised senior citizens.
Following the announcement of a new minimum wage by the Tinubu’s administration announces, we call on the state government to consider the plight of pensioners in this new policy. It is essential to ensure that the pensioners’ monthly take home is harmonized accordingly, taking into account the increasing cost of living in the country.
Furthermore, we urge the government to prioritize the payment of gratuities and pensions in the new budget, ensuring that these vulnerable citizens receive their due benefits without delay. By so doing the government must have demonstrated its commitment to the welfare of all citizens, including those who have served the nation and state with dedication and distinction.
We also call on Governor Ododo to carefully scrutinize the activities of the Pension Commission, identify challenges and bottlenecks that have hindered prompt payment of gratuities. Doing so, he can take informed decisions to reposition the Commission, address corruption and inefficiencies, and ensure that pensioners receive their rightful benefits without delay or any form of discrimination.
It is the prayer of everyone to get to old age, old age should therefore not be seen as a course but blessing from God who determines how long human beings live on earth, ultimately, the younger generation today will become the older generation tomorrow, it’s a vicious circle and the lucky ones must taste it, may we all live to old age.