Oyo Assembly Assures Pensioner’s of Passage of Bill that Seeks Full Payment for Retirees

The Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt Honourable Olagunju Ojo on Monday assured Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oyo State Council that the bill which make provision for the full payments of retirees, particularly primary school teachers and local government pensioners will be passed into law.

The assurance was made during a courtesy visit to the Speaker’s office, secretariat, noting that he is fully aware that the bill is already with the committee on local government and chieftaincy matter.

Olagunju said the bill was initiated by the late former Speaker of the House with his principals before his sudden demise.

However, the state Chairman of the Union explained the plight of Pensioners in the state and how they have cried for the amelioration of their situation occasioned by unpaid pensions and gratuities to members of their union.

According to them, the union has appeared before the House in one of their plenaries to discuss the matter and put paid to certain sections of a 2002 bill of the House which for many years had been a stumbling block for retired Primary School Teachers and Local Government Pensioners to earn their monthly pension in full.”

The Union said, a third reading would have been carried out but the day the late former Speaker, Hon Micheal Adeyemo adjourned that the bill would be heard was the day he was buried.

Having made this, the number one lawmaker in the state promised that the bill will see the light of the day irrespective of what it will take, stressing that he actually understand what they are experiencing.

Olagunju said the causes of government been able to pay the pensioners was due to the economic situation of the country.

He added that he also observed people who are retiring now and then have increased in number.

“The government is never interested in seeing people suffering” he said.