Governor okays N10bn to clear pension arrears
The Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the release of N10bn to clear outstanding pension owed to retirees in the state.
The governor disclosed this on Tuesday during a meeting with the pension board, led by the chairman, Bureau of State Pensions, Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the state chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Anthony Osanekwu.
The governor also announced the constitution of a team to supervise the implementation of the N10bn as he stressed the need for transparency in disbursement.
He said, “So far, a total of N36.4bn has been paid in pensions, with N1.4bn released for payment of pensions monthly since I assumed office.
“The state has not defaulted in meeting its monthly pension obligations under my watch.
“Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state. It is only just that they receive what is due them, and under my watch, their welfare will remain top priority.”
In his remarks, the chairman of the Bureau for State Pension, Mr Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, described the governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” stating that the N10bn release would provide retirees with a huge relief.
He further pledged that the funds would be used exclusively for pension payments, as he assured of transparency and accountability.
The state Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Anthony Osanekwu, also appreciated the governor for what he described as an unexpected and magnanimous gesture.
Recall that the retirees in the state have been lamenting over the unpaid pension since 2012.
