The pensioners in Imo State under the aegis of Nigerian Union of Pensioners have called on the state government to pay up over six months pension arrears owed to pensioners in the state.

The call was made at a news conference at the Union headquarters in Owerri, the state’s capital on Saturday.

The state Chairman of the Union, Mr. Gideon Ezeji, said having given the state government a 14- day ultimatum, if the state government fails to address their plight, they would give the government an additional 7-days.

Mr. Ezeji further said that at the lapse of the 21-days ultimatum, if nothing is done, the Union would result to a state wide protest through the streets of Owerri until the issues are addressed.

Expressing regret on the recent development in the state, the former chairman of the Union in the state, Mr. Emeka Onwumere said it is unfortunate that Governor Okorocha who used to be a pensioner-friendly Governor in the early days of his administration, is no more.

Speaking to Channels Television’s in Imo State, the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Jude Ejiogu, appealed to the senior citizens to be patient with the State Government as all their plights would be addressed in due time.

Mr. Ejiogu said the verification exercise is not a delay tactics not to pay pensioners but an avenue to check ghost pensioners who defraud the system.

The 21- day ultimatum started July 16. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Okorocha.