ADDRESS BY THE CHAIRMAN OF TRIANGULAR GROUP OF PENSIONERS ~ PRINCE ROTIMI ADELUGBA

AT THE PRESS CONFRENCE ON THE ONGOING PROTEST OF 2011-2012 GROUP OF PENSIONERS ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE26, 2019

Gentlemen of the Press,

We are constrained to react to the action by the 2011-2012 set of pensioners who took to the streets yesterday and today to protest non payment of arrears of 15 months pension.

The group claimed that Government had received and diverted the Paris ClubRefund.

As concerned pensioners, we are constrained to state that our colleagues’ allegations are far from the truth.

Since the current Administration assumed office over six months ago, it has ensured full  payment of our monthly pension and wages to all levels as and when due in line with its promise, and subject to release of allocations from the Federal Government as it is pubic knowledge that the State Government is making efforts to improve its internally generated revenue base.

As we are all aware, not all of us pensioners are being owed the 15 months pension arrears.

Our findings reveal that government has not received any Paris Club Refund as claimed by our colleagues. We are also not aware that other States have been paid the Paris Club Refund.

We are also in receipt of the information that some of our colleagues have collected their bonds recently and that some are ready for collection.

Government’s ability to keep its promise to fully pay pensioners’ arrears and gratuity as promised is enough reasonfor us to believe them that they will pay our pension arrears when the funds are available.

In view of the above, we appeal to our colleagues to understand and appreciate the constraints and efforts of government and to maintain the peace as government works hard to take care of our needs and welfare.

Thank you.