Some pensioners in Osun State have staged a protest over non-payment of their entitlements.
The protesters, who wielded with placards with inscriptions such as “Gov. Oyetola, stop this lying and fake promises”; “Pay us our money”, blocked the State Secretariat at Abere.
Their leader, Mr. Oyadare Gbenga, had said the government owed pensioners N50 billion, both in accrued rights and contributory pensions.
Addressing journalists at the secretariat, Gbenga said: “The total amount owed pensioners in the state is N50 billion, which is about half of the state’s budget.
“Governor Adegboyega Oyetola should seek bailout from the Federal Government, if he refuses to borrow to pay us. We cannot continue to let our people die due to hunger and lack of money.
“Our accrued rights, which is our entitlements before the commencement of the contributory pension in May 2010 and the monthly contributory pensions are yet to be paid, five years after retirement.
“Some people have been paid, but they are here to show solidarity with others.
“Many of our colleagues have been down with one sickness or other ailments such as stroke, diabetes, blindness etc. We cannot continue like this. The governor must be proactive about resolving the issue.”
In August, pensioners had thronged major roads in Osogbo, protesting government’s failure to pay their entitlement.
Ismail Omipidan, spokesman of the governor, could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report as he did not answer calls or reply a message sent.
