by NIyi JACOBS
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has called on Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to urgently intervene in the growing financial distress of pensioners, citing unpaid arrears and an allegedly unjust forfeiture agreement.
In a letter signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD expressed concern over the backlog of unpaid pensions despite government assurances. The organization acknowledged Governor Otti’s efforts in ensuring prompt pension payments but raised alarm over the recent move to introduce a forfeiture agreement, which it condemned as illegal and exploitative.
According to FENRAD, the agreement compels retirees to forfeit part of their hard-earned benefits, further deepening their economic hardship. The group demanded that the state government implement an Enforceable Payment Agreement (EPA) to ensure full and timely disbursement of pension funds without conditions.
The advocacy group also urged the government to settle outstanding pension arrears and gratuities without delay and to reform the Pension Administration System and Structure (PASS) for greater transparency and efficiency.
FENRAD called on Governor Otti to engage pensioners and stakeholders in meaningful discussions to ensure fairness in pension administration. The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for pensioners’ rights and vowed to sustain its campaign until the Abia State Government fulfills its promise of clearing all pension backlogs.
