Pensioners Threaten Nationwide Naked Protest Over Unpaid Dues, Arrears
The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has announced plans to embark on a nationwide ‘naked’ protest to press home its demand for the payment of outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances owed to its members.
National Chairman of the Coalition, Mukaila Ogunbote, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Ogunbote, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), stated that the protest would take place on December 8 unless the Federal Government pays the arrears of N32,000 pension increment and a N25,000 palliative allowance approved in 2023.
“The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Accountant General’s Office are not taking us seriously, so all pensioners must come out en masse to fight the injustice,” he said.
According to him, the protest will take place in Abuja, Lagos and all other states.
During the protest, Ogunbote explained that demonstrations will be staged at the offices of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate as well as in front of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) stations.
He urged chairmen and secretaries of organisations under the coalition to mobilise their members, stressing the need for a united front.
“We must show the wound that our clothes are covering. The protest is continuous until we receive an alert of a N32,000 pension increment and N25,000 for six months. Those who can’t come and go back should come with mats.
“All pensioners must come out and fight for their rights,” he directed.
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
