The Head of Service, Ntunkae (Mrs.) Mary-Theresa Ikwen, mni has restated Government's commitment towards the well-being of Pensioners in the State.
Ntunkae (Mrs.) Ikwen stated this when she granted audience to the executive of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Cross River State Council in her Office in Calabar.
She stated that it is in this regard that Government has commenced work on the harmonization of Pensioners pensions as well as donated a bus for the services of Pensioners in the State.
She, however, expressed concern over the recent late payment of Pensioners' monthly Pension and assured that steps are being taken to address the trend.
On the Federal share of Pension which has remained unsolved, the Head of Service disclosed that Pension Desks Office has been established to monitor the development at the Federal level and expressed the hope that this lingering problem would come to an end.
The No. 1 Civil Servant who described the Union's request for land to developed its Permanent site as a welcome development, advised them to channel their request to the Governor for necessary action.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Union, Comrade Benjamin E. Ettah had commended the State Governor for donating a bus to the Union a gesture he noted, has enable them join the comity of State Councils with vehicles.
Comrade Ettah called for the harmonization of Pensioners pensions in line with constitutional provision, payment of arrears of pension increases of 6% of 2003 as well as 15% increase of 2007, maintaining that the request if approved, will enhance their living standard.
He observed that of recent, monthly pensions are being paid in trickles, adding that those paid in March are not paid in April and called for a change to save the Pensioners from further agony.
The Chairman, who suggested the payment of his members pension alongside Civil Servants' salaries, called on the Government to allocate a piece of land to enable the Union construct its permanent office as their present rented accommodation has consumed a large chunk of the Union lean resources.
That is a good move because so many of them that reside in the state would be very pleased to hear that. They've suffered enough