Christmas: Delta retirees appeal to Okowa to pay their pension arrears

In preparation for Christmas, Pensioners in Delta State have lamented non payment of their pension arrears by the state government.

The pensioners appealed to the state governor, Ifeanyi Okowa to as a matter of urgency to release their pension arrears to enable them celebrate the season and to stop them from staging another round of protest against the Delta State Government.

This is disclosed in a meeting held in Asaba at the Labour House, where retirees said the 33% pension increase was granted to all pensioners but the state refused to pay.

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, one Silver Savede expressed displeasure over the government’s attitude towards the payment of their pension.

He said, “We, the defined benefits scheme pensioners, with utmost dismay how the Delta State Government treats the pensioners.

“For almost four years now, the Defined Benefits Scheme Pensioners have been demanding in writing to meet with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to discuss the issues affecting us.

“Non of this letters were replied. This issues that are agitating the minds of pensioners. Okowa should pay us the outstanding arrears of 99 months.

“Okowa should implement the payment of arrears consequential adjustment of pension of monthly pay occasioned the N30,000 minimum wage.

“Tomorrow is Christmas, no payment, how do they want us to eat? Our people are dying.”

However, the pensioners gave governor Okowa two weeks ultimatum to meet their demand or face another of protest.