The National Association of Retirees of State Government has threatened a nationwide protest unless state governors urgently review pension payments in line with the Nigerian labour laws.

They equally called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Ministry for Pension Affairs to guarantee annual budgetary allocations for pensioners’ welfare.

Simon Anchaver, President of the union, made the call on Monday in Yenagoa at the inauguration of the Bayelsa state interim executive of the newly registered union.

He bemoaned the arbitrary payment of pensions by some governors, and commended Nasarawa State Governor for releasing N7 billion to clear pension arrears and gratuity.

Anchaver urged other governors lagging behind to emulate the gesture.

Speaking also at the event, National Secretary of the Union, Bipre Ndiomu, disclosed that the union is newly registered and gazetted, and is currently inaugurating state executives and admiring members across all states.

He urged state governors to put modalities in place to guarantee the welfare of pensioners across the country, as pensioners do not have to suffer.

In his remarks, the Bayelsa State Head of Service, Dr Wisdom Sawyer, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Training and Pension Bureau, Dr Charles Enuma urged the executives to serve as a bridge between retirees and government, assuring that the state government is open to engagement on outstanding issues.

The newly inaugurated State chairman, Bazigha Tanwei accepted the mandate and promised an open-door policy, regular consultations with members, and sustained advocacy with the state government to clear arrears.

The newly inaugurated executive members are: Elder Bazigha Tanwei, Chairman; Chief Patrick Weridongha, Vice Chairman; Engr. Tiekuro Ndiomu, Secretary; Comrade Bibobra Erebi, Woman Coordinator.

Others are Feubodei Ebiowei Francis, Public Relations Officer; Hon. Vivian Nagha, Treasurer; Sokari Philomina Mubai, Financial Secretary; Kuroekigha Christian, Auditor; Engr. Teibowei Ojobo D., Welfare Officer; Thomas-Etelle Ephraim, Ex-Officio; Mockiya Owen P. and Yakiah Patience.

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