Disgruntled pensioners in Ekiti State have established a new organisation, the Pensioners Association of Nigeria, aiming to better protect members’ interests and improve welfare packages.
Joel Akinola, Chairman of PAN’s Ekiti State Branch and immediate past state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, explained that members shifted to the new group in search of a platform that would more effectively safeguard their welfare.
Speaking at a meeting of the new association in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, Akinola noted that members from over ten local government areas had joined, inspired by his unprecedented achievements during his tenure as NUP state chairman.
He stated, ‘We are former NUP members, but we found that the NUP officials at the state level have been a hindrance to our welfare. They are self-centred, greedy, and indifferent to members’ needs’.
Akinola accused certain NUP officials, including the State Secretary who is a permanent staff member, of conspiring against him following his diligent efforts to improve members’ welfare, leading to spurious allegations aimed at preventing his re-election.
Recalling his tenure, Akinola said, ‘When I assumed office in 2029, pensioners in Ekiti State were owed N41 billion in unpaid gratuities, seven months’ arrears of local government pensions, and three months’ arrears of state pensions. Many benefits due to pensioners were denied.
‘But the self-serving NUP leaders were unconcerned because they had already received their gratuities; most are federal pensioners unaffected by Ekiti’s pension issues. They simply collect their dues and ignore the plight of state pensioners.
‘When I took office, I saw it as a challenge to improve conditions for our members, including myself. By God’s grace, we achieved significant progress. We are fortunate to have a pensioner-friendly governor, Biodun
Oyebanji, treats us like parents, enabling our achievements.
‘What we accomplished in four years surpasses what they achieved in 29 years. We made possible what they thought impossible’
He further accused NUP officials of establishing a kangaroo panel to investigate his administration without his knowledge, citing a financial report allegedly from Abuja that he only heard about on the radio.
‘Are we in unionism to be destroyed like this’? he asked.
Akinola affirmed that PAN is here to stay in Ekiti State, promising to lead members without the interference of ‘wolves and vultures’ who claim ownership of NUP.
NUP State Secretary Azeez Agbaje dismissed the new group as dissidents and warned of impending sanctions.
Agbaje said, ‘The only legitimate union is NUP. Those running a parallel administration will face consequences. It is a blatant violation of the NUP constitution. The National Headquarters will impose sanctions in due course’.
He added that state NUP elections could not be held due to disruptions caused by the aggrieved members.
‘These individuals were part of the defunct executive committee. After four years, they failed to account for their stewardship. The delegates’ conference rejected their financial report, leading to an investigative panel and the postponement of elections’, Agbaje explained.
