Retirees under the Osun State Contributory Pension Scheme have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the state local government fund crisis in the state, which they said is hindering payment of their outstanding entitlements.
Addressing journalists, shortly after a peaceful demonstration in Osogbo, Osun State capital, the State Coordinator, Alhaji Ayinde Toyeen,stated that despite efforts by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to alleviate their suffering, many are still facing severe hardship and dying due to lack of access to medical care and financial problem.
The retirees are owed several months of pension arrears, with some having waited since 2017. They urged the President to help resolve the local government impasse, which is affecting payment of their entitlements.
According to the statement, ,”We the retirees under the Osun State Contributory Pension Scheme, humbly appeal to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to kindly intervene and help save our souls.
“First and foremost, we sincerely eulogise and appreciate the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator (Dr.) Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, for his remarkable efforts and commitment towards alleviating the suffering of retirees in the State. We acknowledge with gratitude the following actions taken by his administration:
“Payment of 28 months of half salaries owed by the previous administration, payment of 12 months of half salaries to bonded retirees.
“Registration of retirees under the State Health Insurance Scheme, ongoing payment of a #10,000 monthly palliative to each retiree.
“These interventions have brought relief and hope to many pensioners who had endured years of hardship.
“However, we passionately appeal to Mr. President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the father of the nation, to kindly interfere in the Osun local Governments imbroglio in the interest of the Osun contributory pensioners, who are suffering, in particular and Osun state in general by working out amicable resolution to the problem, to enable the payment of outstanding entitlements to retirees, particularly:
“Primary School and Local Government retirees (2017-2026), Secondary School, Tertiary Institutions, and Civil Service retirees (2020-2026)
“Many retirees are suffering severe hardship, and sadly, deaths are occurring daily due to financial distress and lack of access to adequate medical care.
“We respectfully urge Mr. President to also appeal to leaders and members of his political party in Osun State to cooperate in resolving these issues and help avert further avoidable and untimely deaths among retirees.
