By Francis Ugwoke, Enugu 

Nigeria

March 22, 2008 

The Enugu State government yesterday said it has cleared 14 months arrears of pension being owed pensioners in the state by the administration of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. 

The state's Head of Service, Mr. Albert Edoga announced this while presenting Easter gifts to the affected pensioners in the state. Apart from the payment of the pension arrears, the state government also presented 20 bags of rice and two cows to the pensioners who were informed that the items were from the state governor Sullivan Chime and meant for the Easter celebration. 

Edoga told the pensioners: "We are here in fulfillment of Governor Chime's promise to the pensioners. You will recall that when we had the Pensioner's Day, we promised to give some gifts to pensioners for their meritorious service to the state." Edoga assured the pensioners that henceforth, their pension would be paid every month at the same time that other workers are being paid. On the pensioners that still have gray areas to be cleared with the Federal Government contributory pension scheme, the Head of Service assured that he would go to Abuja to sort out the problems with the office of the Head of Service of the Federation. 

According to him, Governor Chime's action has shown that he is friendly with the pensioners. One of the pensioners, Mr. Justin. Ayogu, who responded on behalf of others expressed, gratitude to Governor Chime for clearing the pension arrears owed by the past administration. The state government also inaugurated a 15-member State Boundary Committee with the Deputy Governor, Mr Onyebuchi, as Chairman. Members of the committee include the Commissioners for Land and Survey, Finance, Information, Local Government, Attorney General and Justice. Also on the list are the State Commissioner of Police, Director, State Security Services, Survey General of the state, and Comptroller of Immigration Services. 

Others include, Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council, Prince Stan Akilo to represent Enugu West Senatorial Zone, Mr. Moses Ede for Enugu East Zone and Chief Simon Ossai for Enugu North zone, while Mr. Sunday Ugwu will serve as Secretary to the Commission. Governor Chime drew the attention of the committee to pockets of boundary disputes between the state and her neighbours especially Kogi, Anambra and Benue States, and charged them to do their best and ensure that those problems were settled. 

Assuring them of government's readiness to support them in their assignment, Chime said, "we have disputes with our neighbouring states of Kogi, Anambra and Benue. I hope with the inauguration of this committee that you will expedite action on the on-going processes to make sure that you bring some of these disputes to an end. Be assured that government on its part will continue to do its best to assist you." 

Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Onyebuchi described boundary problem as a very delicate issue if not properly handled, adding that with the caliber of members of the committee, they will not fail the people of the state. 

The Enugu State government yesterday said it has cleared 14 months arrears of pension being owed pensioners in the state by the administration of former Governor Chimaroke Nnamani. 

Copyright © Global Action on Aging
Terms of Use  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us