By JOAN NWAGWU

The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has denied any planned protest over the recently approved N32,000 pension increment by the Federal Government.

Its Deputy National President, Chief Abdulahi Onu, said this while speaking with newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.

It would be recalled that some aggressive pensioners had threatened to protest over the non-implementation of a N32,000 pension increment, and N25,000 palliative funds for pension, among others.

Onu said the union disassociated itself from the planned protest, saying such actions are unilateral, unauthorised, and do not reflect the position of the NUP leadership.

“Our leadership representing members across the country is satisfied with the explanation of stakeholders’ engagement initiated by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), on the issue of the N32,000 pension increment and its efforts geared towards clearing the arrears.

“We equally appreciate President Tinubu for all his efforts aimed at bettering the living conditions of pensioners. We are also directing all our members to stay away from the rumoured protest called by some group of pensioners.

“PTAD is currently attending to the issues and concerns of all pensioners regarding the N32,000 pension increase and we trust that the efforts of the agency towards making payment will come to fruition in no distant time.

“No group of pensioners, chapter, or sector should decide alone by sending out a circular announcing a protest or any form of industrial action without the consent of the national leadership,” he said.

According to him, it is not right and neither is it the character of a responsible trade union.

Onu disclosed that some groups, including the NIPOST Lagos Branch and other factions, had been circulating information about protests over the increment and arrears.

He said that the union would neither support nor participate in any protest organised by splinter groups or individuals acting outside the union’s constitutionally recognised structures. (NAN)