By Waliu Adetokun,Osogbo
Retirees under the Osun State Contributory Pension Scheme have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the lingering local government crisis in the state, which they say has stalled the payment of their outstanding entitlements.
The appeal was contained in a press release issued by the group and addressed to stakeholders, including civil and public servants, traditional rulers, and citizens within and outside Nigeria.
In the statement, the retirees commended Governor Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke for what they described as significant efforts to ease the plight of pensioners in the state.
They acknowledged the payment of 28 months of half salaries owed by the previous administration, the payment of 12 months of half salaries to bonded retirees, the enrolment of retirees into the state health insurance scheme, and the ongoing ₦10,000 monthly palliative being paid to each pensioner.
According to the group, these measures have brought relief and renewed hope to many retirees who endured years of hardship.
However, the pensioners said many of their members are still facing severe difficulties due to unpaid entitlements, particularly those affected by the unresolved issues surrounding local government administration in the state.
They specifically called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate an amicable resolution of the crisis in the interest of contributory pensioners and the state at large.
The retirees listed those most affected as primary school and local government retirees from 2017 to 2026, as well as secondary school, tertiary institution, and civil service retirees from 2020 to 2026.
They lamented that many pensioners are grappling with financial hardship and health challenges, warning that delays in settling outstanding benefits are worsening their condition.
The group also urged the President to appeal to leaders and members of his political party in Osun State to cooperate in resolving the issues to prevent further suffering among retirees.
Describing themselves as law-abiding citizens who had served the state and the nation diligently, the pensioners called for urgent intervention in the interest of justice, fairness and humanity.
The statement was jointly signed by the State Coordinator, Alhaji Ayinde Toyeen, Chairman, Pastor Adepoju Sunday, and Chairperson II, Alhaja Abidoye.
