By Christian Appolos
Nigeria pensioners who retired from the electricity sector have urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to graciously come to their aide on the lingering issue of their owed N35 billion pension arrears.
The pensioners under the aegis of Electricity Sector Retiree Welfare Association (ESREWA), led by its President, Elder Benjamin Maisamari Amako, expressed joy that President Buhari successfully returned from his medical trip to London.
While he wishes the President good health and longer life, Amako went on to beg President Buhari (as the hero of pensioners), to use his first resumption day at the office to save countless dying pensioners whose fate are tied to
the delayed payment of their pension arrears.
Rising from ESREWA’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on 14th April, 2021, Amako, told newsmen that every Nigerian, including President Buhari, knows the pathetic situation of pensioners in the country. He however noted that Buhari’s administration is the best so far for pensioners because of the ensured timely payment of monthly pension to federal pensioners.
“First we thank God that Mr President returned from his medical trip healthier, stronger and successfully. The news of his return gave us pensioners so much joy because we know he will not sit quiet and watch more pensioners lose their lives because of humanly inaction. So far, his administration has ensured that pensioners gets their rights and this arrears we are asking for is our right.
“Interestingly, President Buhari had already directed that this same arrears (N35 Billion) be paid to us, but for over 5 years ago he issued the directive, the relevant authorities who it is their responsibilities to ensure we get this arrears for our dying members seems to be working contrarily.
“So for the past 5years, this arrears have always been part of the National Budget under Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO) budget and accordingly transferred to Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD). But sadly, we have not been paid a dime even as I speak, for reasons that are totally and obviously human making.
“So we are pleading with President Buhari, the SGF, Minister of Finance, Chairman Senate Committee on Power, Accountant General of the Federation, PTAD and other relevant authorities to save our lives by paying us this money without further delay.” Amako, said.
