Don’t subject pensioners to unnecessary verification, FG urged

AN appeal has gone to the Federal Government not to subject senior citizens to undue verification that has become a ritual designed to make life difficult for pensioners.

The appeal was made by Professor Moses Akinola Makinde, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo, Osun State capital, during his lecture entitled: ‘Nigeria much neglected senior citizens’, delivered to mark 2016 Pensioners’ Day, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, recently.

Professor Makinde said that senior citizens in non-primitive countries are treated with great respect and that governments make sure those who served their country live to enjoy the rest of their years on earth.

While calling on governments not to allow the retirees die wantonly, he added that because of neglect, many retirees die on daily basis owing to lack of money to buy food, procure necessary drugs to keep them as well as their families alive.

Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by Mrs Oni Hassan, said that present administration in the state is ready to uplift pensioners and alleviate their sufferings despite economic recession.

She urged pensioners to keep on praying for the success of Senator Ajimobi-administration so as to be able to perform its obligations.

The secretary of the union, Mr Olusegun Abatan, appealed to the state government to expedite action in paying the outstanding arrears and gratuities of pensioners in the state, saying that the senior citizens had become endanger species in the society.

The outgoing acting chairman of the union, Pa Gbadegesin Akande, commended the union members for their sacrifice and resilience, for deeming it fit, in spite of the meager and irregular monthly pension, put up the most dignifying office complex.