Pensioners kick over registration of new retirees' body
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has strongly opposed the registration of a new retirees’ body – Association of Retirees of State Government by the Federal Ministry of Labour and
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has strongly opposed the registration of a new retirees' body - Association of Retirees of State Government by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The union described the move as unlawful and a threat to the unity of pensioners nationwide.
The union's National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, voiced the protest during an emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) in Abuja, convened to address what he termed “disturbing developments” within the organisation.
Abumisi said the meeting was called out of “great concern and deep worry over some ugly developments happening to our union,” warning that the situation could trigger avoidable crises if not urgently addressed.
“Our meeting today is a call for a rescue mission in preventing our union from being plunged into avoidable internal and external crises,” he said, blaming “the untoward activities of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“It is already a public knowledge that the ministry recently registered a body called 'Association of Retirees of State Government', which is a calculated action to destabilize the unity, solidarity, power of collectivity and the peace that has been reigning within the rank of the union for decades,” Abumisi stated.
He maintained that the action contravenes existing labour laws, particularly the Trade Unions Act.
“It is incontrovertible that the action of the ministry contravenes the provisions of the Trade Unions Act Cap T.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. This we should all rise up to prevent and resist with vigour,” he declared.
The NUP president disclosed that the alleged violation forms the basis of the union's appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to intervene and halt the move in order to preserve the unity and legal standing of the union.
While expressing dissatisfaction with the development, Abumisi reaffirmed the union's traditionally cordial relationship with the Federal Government and commended the Tinubu administration for recent efforts to reform the pension sector.
“NUP, from its inception, has been peaceful, peace-loving and cooperative with all successive Federal Governments of Nigeria, most especially the current Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration,” he said.
He praised the government's approval of N58 billion for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners and N758 billion for contributory pension increases, noting that the measures have brought relief to retirees.
Read Also: Igbo youths, Nigerian Army and the costs of absence
“We would continue to be grateful for the ongoing reformation in the nation's pension industry which has greatly provided succour and alleviated the untold hardship and sufferings of our members in recent times,” he added.
Abumisi, however, warned that the gains recorded could be undermined if actions capable of dividing the union are allowed to persist.
He also urged members to remain united and avoid sentiments that could weaken the organisation.
“I want to appeal for objective contributions from members, devoid of any tribal, political or sectional sentiments that may end up threatening our unity, our image and our continued relevance,” he said.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the union, Abumisi added: “My driving force remains to leave NUP better than I met it.”
