Pensioners Shut Down Osogbo Over Non-payment Of Gratuities, Pension Arrears

The Forum of Osun pensioners has called on the state government to considered their plights on payment of their gratuities(2008-2012) and 13 months pension arrears.

The Chairman of the retirees, Mr Ilesanmi Omoniyi , made the call on Wednesday during a peaceful protest within the state capital in Osogbo.

Omoniyi said pensioners were yet to be paid their gratuity from 2008 – 2012 , despite the Federal Government intervention releasing over N83. 9 billion to pay backlog of gratuities and areas.

According to him, the money was diverted by the state governor for another purpose which was not used as expected.

He said that over 2,000 of its members had lost their lives as a result of non payments of gratuities and pension arrears.

“Many of our colleagues over 2000 have lost their lives due to the hardship which they were unable to withstand,’ he said.

According to him, the forum had been pleading with the state government for over five years but nothing was done rather their plights were ignored.

The Chairman also said retirees were yet to be paid their 13 months pension arrears ,making the standard of living difficult to cope with.

He said several letters of appeal had been written to the Governor and other government officials but yet to see any positive answer.

Omoniyi , however , called on President Muhammadu Buhari , to intervened and also urged Governor Rauf Aregbesola to alleviate the suffering they are passing through by paying them their full monthly pension arrears and their 2008-2012 gratuities.

The protest according to CityMirrorNews correspondent kicked start  from Aiyetoro area to Olaiya junction and Abere area , as security personnel were seen monitoring the protest to forestall any uproar.