Labour Party leader and former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has slammed the federal government over unpaid pension arrears, describing the situation as “unacceptable” and a betrayal of senior citizens who dedicated their best years to national service.
Obi criticized the government for celebrating revenue targets while pensioners remain unpaid, calling it “a moral contradiction that undermines public trust.”
“Just last month, Mr. President announced that Nigeria had reached its revenue target. If that is true, the moral question is simple: why are our senior citizens, who worked, served, and sacrificed, still owed their rightful pensions and gratuities?” Obi queried.
He emphasized that revenue growth should bring tangible relief to ordinary Nigerians—especially the vulnerable:
“The excess revenue we celebrate today must not remain on paper. It must be directed to settle our obligations to pensioners, restore their dignity, and reassure the working population that their labour and service are valued.”
Linking compassionate governance to national stability, Obi added:
“Good leadership and compassion are inseparable. Anything less is unjust and unacceptable. A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Observers say Obi’s remarks reflect growing public anger over the government’s fiscal priorities, with labour unions and civic groups warning that neglecting pension arrears could trigger broader unrest among the workforce.