Imo Pensioners Hold Mass Seeking Payment of Arrears

Pensioners in Imo State, represented by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, held a thanksgiving Mass at Maria Assumpta Cathedral in Owerri to express gratitude for their lives while awaiting the payment of outstanding gratuities and pensions. Comrade Ike Ohaneje, Chairman of the Imo State Pension Intervention Committee, addressed journalists post-service, highlighting the suffering of pensioners due to the government's failure to fulfill its obligations.

He emphasized that pensions are a constitutional charge that should be paid regardless of the governor's Appropriation Bill. Ohaneje criticized the current administration under Governor Hope Uzodinma for continuing the problematic practices initiated during Rochas Okorocha's tenure, which involved using contract staff for pension management instead of the Accountant General's office.

He noted that many pensioners have died while waiting for their payments, asserting that withholding their dues is a crime against humanity and a violation of biblical principles regarding labor compensation.