Abia Pensioners Stage Protest over Unpaid Pension Arrears

Pensioners in Abia State on Wednesday, stormed the streets of Umuahia, the state capital to express their grievances over government’s failure to pay their pension arrears.

The first citizens who were seen chanting songs to depict their situation and the ‘wickedness’ of the people in government in refusing to listen to their cries, caused a gridlock in most parts of Umuahia which lasted for hours.

They marched through Bende road, Aba road and terminated their protest at the Government House.

According to report, the retirees were protesting for their unpaid 38 months arrears, non-harmonisation of pensions from 1998 to 2010, and unpaid accumulated gratuity for 20 years.

The aggrieved protesters lamented that they have been dehumanised and subjected to unimaginable suffering, adding that the situation has resulted in the death of about 15 of their members.

While addressing journalists, the Coordinator of Concerned Abia Pensioners, Emeka Okezie, appealed to the government to address their pathetic situation.

Meanwhile, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem, assured the protesters that their pension would be paid regularly and promptly.

He urged the pensioners to ensure their leadership engages government before resorting to protest, while appealing to them to be patient with government.