Abia Pensioners Seek Divine Intervention Over Unpaid Benefits
Abia retirees fast and pray for unpaid pensions and gratuities, seeking divine intervention after exhausting appeals. They urge Governor Otti to reverse the controversial waiver of their benefits.
Retirees of the Abia State Government have resorted to fasting and prayer, seeking divine intervention for the payment of their long-overdue pension arrears and gratuities.
The pensioners, under the Abia Pensioners’ Forum, concluded a three-day intercessory programme in Umuahia on Wednesday, praying for the state, Governor Alex Otti, and the nation. The session was marked by fervent prayers, uplifting songs, and an inspiring exhortation from Rev. Success Obinya of the City Liberation Centre, Aba.
Quoting Proverbs 21:1, Rev. Obinya encouraged the retirees, assuring them that God would soften the hearts of decision-makers to address their grievances. He stated, “God will cause the government of the day to respond to your desires because you have done the right thing by seeking Him.”
The forum, a pressure group within the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), has been advocating for the restoration of pension arrears and gratuities withheld by previous administrations. Earlier this year, the state government reportedly waived these entitlements, citing a controversial agreement signed with the state NUP leadership in March.
Coordinator of the forum, Okey Kanu, clarified that the pensioners pursued spiritual measures after exhausting other avenues, including appeals to Governor Otti and press engagements. He expressed disappointment in the waiver, stating, “To waive these benefits after 35 years of labor is ungodly.”
While commending the administration for regularizing monthly pensions, the pensioners urged the government to reconsider the waiver and fulfill its obligations.
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