Pensioners in Kogi State have frowned at the government announcement directing them to present themselves for screening in January.
It could be recalled that
Mrs Maryam Abedoh, Director-General, Kogi State Pension Commission, had urged pensioners under the Local Government as well as those in the State Government payroll to go to the nearest bank close to them for verification, starting from 19th January till 25th January 2024.
However, some pensioners in the state have faulted the directive.
The pensioners expressed concerns at the timing of the exercise, adding that the initiators of the exercise are only out to punish the aged people who have served their state meritoriously.
A pensioner who spoke to newsmen on the condition of anonymity, said, “We want the world to know that in most local government areas there are no banks in operation. In this harsh economic situation, what are we going to do when we all are looking for money to feed our families?
“We are calling on Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, to, as his parting gift, take another look at the planned exercise as it would further inflict pain on pensioners.”
Speaking during an interview, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, (NUP) Kogi State Chapter, Clement Ohida, said the union is not against the proposed screening exercise but the timing.
He said, “There is nothing bad if Government wants to know those pensioners that are on their pay roll, but what we are not happy about is the timing. We have continued to complain about the timing.
“We are just returning from a very long holiday, and many pensioners must have exhausted their pocket.
“It will be very difficult for pensioners to travel from one place to another for verification. We are also not too happy about the window for the process. That is the period they mentioned 19th January to 25 January 2024.
“NUP Kogi has appealed to the Government to pay January pensions before going into any verification. Also we requested for two week grace to carry out this process. From our side, we have made our demands known and the Government promised to look into it.”