The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Oyo State branch has described as unbearable and lamentable the plight of the state’s pensioners, appealing to the state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, to urgently pay their February 2015 pension.

As contained in the press release issued and signed by state Chairman, Mr Biiyawo Azeez, and Secretary, Mr Olusegun Abatan, the union noted that the appeal had become expedient, owing to the condition of despondency that pensioners continued to be subjected to by the day.

While reminding the governor of his promise to better the lives of masses in the state prior to his inauguration as governor for a second term, the pensioners decried the non-payment of pension arrears running into five months.

It further noted the non-payment of the pensions of retired Primary School Teachers ranging from 13 to 24 months.

“As we write, Oyo State pensioners are yet to be paid February 2015 pension in June 2015. This is aside non-payment of between 13 and 24 monthly pensions of retired Primary School Teachers. The situation is becoming unbearable on a daily basis. More so, when majority of pensioners earn between N1,800 to N8,000 per month, which at best of times is used to buy drugs to sustain their lives. The union has lost hundreds of lives in the last one year that pension had become difficult to come by,” the union said.

It added: “Oyo State pensioners appeal to his Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, to urgently pay February 2015 pension as we sadly and despondently approach the fifth month of non-payment of pension in frustration, hunger and misery. Let the change that we all clamoured for and which is here now serve as balm to the bruised lives of pensioners in Oyo State.”

The union, therefore, urged members to remain calm and await further information on the issue.

•Photo shows Ajimobi

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