The Osun State Government has pledged to review the grievances raised by the Forum of Contributory Pensioners over the N10,000 monthly palliative offered to them following the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers.
At the signing of the agreement for the new minimum wage implementation, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, had announced a N25,000 increase for pensioners.
However, the Forum expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the N25,000 increment was only granted to pensioners who retired under the old pension scheme, while contributory pensioners were left with a N10,000 addition.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Abiodun Awodele, the forum described the arrangement as discriminatory, urging the government to ensure equity in the disbursement of pension benefits.
It stated: “Your Excellency, the same N25,000 granted to the NUP (retirees on the old pension) should also be extended to FOCOPEN members (contributory pensioners). Ninety-nine percent of the remaining few of them can barely cover half a kilometre a day for campaigning or mobilising during elections.
“Grant us N25,000 under the new minimum wage or stop the payments entirely. This is our scientific position, and it has nothing to do with ingratitude toward the good governance of Senator Ademola Adeleke. Far from it.”
In response to the complaints, the commissioner, Alimi, explained in an interview with The PUNCH on Monday that the N10,000 palliative for contributory pensioners was agreed upon after consultations with their leadership.
He clarified that the government’s obligations primarily cover workers and pensioners on its payroll, while contributory pensioners, who are awaiting their bond certificates, fall outside these responsibilities.
He stated, “Throughout the federation, governments do not pay additional funds to that category of pensioners. Workers and pensioners on the payroll are the direct responsibility of the government. Those no longer on the payroll are considered outsiders.
“However, they approached us, and recognising that the government is still owing some of them half salaries, we decided to extend some relief. As a palliative, and in addition to the half salary payments, the government agreed to pay N10,000 monthly until the half salaries are fully paid.
“Once we complete those payments, they will no longer have any claims on the government.
This arrangement was agreed upon, so their complaints now are surprising. The N10,000 offer stems from Governor Adeleke’s magnanimity, not an obligation. That said, we will re-evaluate the situation in light of their concerns and consider a review.”
PUNCH
