Pensioners in a south-eastern state are currently in a fierce protest against the governor for the non-payment of their allowances over the years.
Rochas Okorocha
Business and social activities came to a halt at Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Wednesday as hundreds of aged retirees defied the early morning downpour to protest against the non-payment of their pensions, Punch reports.
The pensioners, whose action caused gridlock on all major streets and roads, especially in Owerri, claimed the state government owed them allowances ranging from 13 to 71 months.
The retirees, whose pitiable sight attracted the sympathy of passersby, defied all entreaties from security operatives to vacate the roads, especially the one leading to the Government House.
Addressing journalists, the state Chairman, National Union of Pensioners, Chief Gideon Ezeji, noted that the Governor Rochas Okorocha-led administration had not only abandoned pensioners but also turned them to beggars.
He said, “Today, civil pensioners are owed 13-16 months as at May, 2016; Local Government pensioners, 14-17 months; retired primary school teachers, 23-26 months; Imo Broadcasting Corporation pensioners, 36 months and Alvan Ikoku College of Education’s pensioners, 68-71 months.
It is indeed outrageous, how senior citizens are treated in the state today.”