Akwa Ibom Pensioners Urge Governor to Implement Increased Pension Arrears

Pensioners in Akwa Ibom State have called on Governor Umo Eno to implement the payment of increased pension arrears for those who retired before 2012.

The governor had approved increments in the pension of retirees before 2012, with implementation scheduled to commence at the end of April.

In a statement signed by their secretary, Obong Cosmos Essien, the pensioners lauded the governor for ending the era of meager pension payments as low as N1000 or N2000 monthly in the state.

They urged him to begin the implementation of the increased pension in arrears so that members could immediately benefit from his gesture.

The statement also highlighted the negotiation process that led to the approval of the increased pension, citing a committee formed in December 2022, which concluded its report in May 2023.

However, despite the announcement of the increased pension, implementation was reportedly stalled until the recent intervention of Governor Umo Eno.

The pensioners appealed to the governor to extend his benevolence to April 2023, requesting the payment of outstanding arrears for one year.

They also advocated for the establishment of a pension board or bureau to enhance the administration and handling of pension matters in the state.

Additionally, the pensioners sought an audience with the governor to discuss issues of great importance regarding pension management in Akwa Ibom State.