Enugu, Aug. 27, 2023: The organized labour in Enugu State has lauded Gov. Peter Mbah for paying two months of pensions to retired civil servants in the state.
The two months include one of the two months of outstanding pension arrears.
Their commendation is contained in a statement jointly signed by the State Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Fabian Nwigbo and Mr Benneth Asogwa respectfully on Saturday in Enugu.
The payment followed the submission of the report of the committee set up by the state government for the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities.
Mbah in August inaugurated a seven-man committee on verification and payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities to the state retirees, chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, with two weeks to submit its report.
The organized labour described Mbah as a governor who keeps his promises and who can be trusted.
They expressed appreciation to the governor for his administration’s responsiveness to the needs of the citizenry, particularly workers and retirees.
The organised labour said the paid pensions would go a long way in alleviating the hardships occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
The labour unions said the Mbah’s immediate payment of two months of pensions had raised their hopes that the payment of the outstanding one month of pensions, as well as the outstanding gratuities, would commence in no distant time.
“We wish to convey to Governor Peter Mbah the joy of these retirees that is reverberating among the populace.
“This laudable action is in tandem with his passion and avowal to alleviate poverty and suffering among the citizens, especially the vulnerable which the pensioners represent.
“It is pertinent to inform the governor that these retirees, in their joyful mood, are focusing their attention on the day when the payment of gratuities will commence as all his promises to the citizens are being transformed into reality,” they said.
