Over 400 Ebonyi retirees beg Gov Nwifuru to pay outstanding pensions, gratuities

More than 400 retirees of Ebonyi State University, EBSU, have appealed to Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru to intervene in the payment of their outstanding pensions and gratuities, lamenting years of hardship following their retirement.

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‎The retirees made the appeal on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, in Abakaliki.

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‎Speaking on behalf of the group, the Chairman of the retirees, Mr. Emeka Ugwoke, said members who retired between 2017 and the present have yet to receive their full retirement benefits despite their years of dedicated service to the institution.

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‎Ugwoke noted that although some retirees received part payments during the administration of former Governor David Umahi, many others are still awaiting the settlement of their pensions and gratuities several years after leaving service.

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‎He, alongside other retirees, including Elder Elebe Michael and Mr. James Nwali, decried what they described as the selective payment of retirement benefits in the state, stressing that the delay had exposed many pensioners to severe financial hardship and health challenges.

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‎The retirees also dismissed claims that the 2009 salary consolidation covered gratuity payments, explaining that the consolidation only addressed salary components such as pension contributions, housing, transport and leave allowances, and did not include gratuities.

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‎Responding, the Pro-Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, acknowledged the retirees’ concerns and assured them that efforts were underway to facilitate a meeting with Governor Francis Nwifuru to seek a lasting resolution to the matter.

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‎He expressed confidence that the issues would receive favourable attention under the governor’s People’s Charter of Needs administration.

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‎Fr. Nwali further disclosed that steps were being taken to ensure the gazetting of Ebonyi State University in accordance with the law, while urging the retirees to remain patient as discussions with the state government continued towards the permanent resolution of their grievances.