Dear Editor,
As it is said, rest is sweet after labour is an understatement in Nigeria. For years, pensioners have been treated as slaves and their retirement which is supposed to serve as rest after their labour has become an unrest situation over unpaid pensions. Rightly said and in Nigeria’s constitution, there is an age for retirement which is mandatory for civil servants. But, unfortunately, some civil servants have to change their ages just for them to remain in service. This increases the number of people in government offices because no one wants to retire. Based on observation and many witnesses it is right to say that pensioners are treated badly by governors with the low pensions they get every month. In some states, it takes heaven to come down before they will pay pensioners. Can we say rest is sweet after labour? Pensioners’ rest is being jeopardised by governors.
Many Pensioners’ find it difficult to cater for their needs, not to talk of family, with small pensions of N5,000 to N8,000. Some even get as low as N300 or N2000 even in this time of economic hardship and food inflation. These families become poorer and suffer just because their needs can’t be met. I appeal to governors to look into this and create a well and meaningful life for the pensioners. I want to thank Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde for making sure the pensioners get their pension when due. I write this to speak my mind and behalf of other pensioners. All governors should look into this and give pensioners the sweetness and rest after their labour which they deserve. Aderonmu Owoade, owoadeaderonmu@gmail.com
