Delta State pensioners have lamented the non-payment of pension arrears by the state government.
The pensioners called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to release their pension arrears to mark the season even as they decided to stage another round of protest against the Delta State Government if their demands were not met.
Ahead of the meeting at the Labor House in Asaba, the retirees said the 33% increase in their pensions was given to all pensioners but the state refused to pay them.
On behalf of the retirees, a Silver Savede expressed displeasure over the attitude of the government towards payment of pension.
He said: “We, the pensioners of the defined benefit scheme, are deeply dismayed at how the Delta State Government is treating the pensioners.
“For almost four years now, the Pensioners of the Defined Benefit Scheme have been requesting in writing to meet with Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to discuss issues affecting us.
“None of these letters were answered. This issue is troubling the minds of pensioners. Okowa has to pay us 99 months arrears.
“Okowa should set the payment of arrears due to the monthly salary pension adjustment to the minimum salary of N30,000.
“Tomorrow is Christmas, without payment, how do they want us to eat? Our people are dying.”
The pensioners gave Governor Okowa a two-week ultimatum to respond to their demand or face another protest.
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