By Daniel-Nwosu Nohunwan Lucy
The Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe has expressed optimism regarding the payment of Gratuity to Pensioners in Edo State. He assured that His Excellency, the Governor, Senator Monday Okpbeholo and his team were working assiduously to ensure the prompt payment of the gratuity backlog of Local Government Pensioners, aiming to bring back smiles to the faces of Pensioners.
Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe gave this assurance, while receiving some members of The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Edo State Council, led by the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Claudette Ehannire, who were on a courtesy visit to his office in Benin City.
He commended the Pensioners for their continuous patience and understanding, adding that their contributions to the development of Edo State will never be forgotten and as such, modalities were already in place to ensure that outstanding gratuity payments are cleared and all other pending issues treated.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of quality health care for the retirees and assured that Government will look into the issues surrounding the Edo Health Insurance Scheme, which aims to provide comprehensive health coverage for all citizens, including Pensioners.
“Health is wealth, these are the little benefits we ought to get from government, having taken our youthful age in serving the State. The only way we can say thank you is by paying your pension and entitlements, whether you call it gratuity; salary arrears”. He added.
The Commissioner stated that he had given the Pension Office a 72 hour ultimatum to compile and submit a list of all outstanding payments concerning Local Government retirees to his office. This is in view of ensuring that all entitlements are paid within the shortest possible time.
He further assured the Pensioners that the Governor Monday Okpebholo led- administration is committed to ensuring their welfare remains top priority and will continue to work towards their wellbeing.
Discussions were centered on the payment of monthly pensions, consequential adjustments approved in 2019, Health Insurance amongst others.
On her part, Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Edo State Council, Comrade Claudette Ehannire, who congratulated the Commissioner on his assumption of office, appealed for an improved method in the payment of gratuity as the previous government had cleared up the backlog to 2011.
She also appealed for the Commissioner to look into the health services and other matters for Pensioners.
