By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
Some pensioners in Osun State under the aegis of 2011/2012 Retired Public Servants Association in Osun State have disclosed that their group would resist attempt by former governor Rauf Aregebesola to return to power through back door.
The group disclosed this after holding a peaceful protest against alleged government maltreatment of its members over pension arrears.
The group’s Chairman, Mr Omoniyi Ilesanmi, while addressing bystanders along Osogbo-Gbongan road in Osogbo, said the people should reject Aregebesola’s move to come back through his allies in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to allegedly wreak more havoc in the state.
His words, “This is a calling to Osun State people and all Stakeholders to wake up to stop and prevent Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola from coming back to Osun State through his Agents or Privies in the ADC in order to avoid him causing more havoc to the Economy of the State and to spell further doom for Workers and Retirees, and the good people of Osun State (as he did during his regime) who have been enioving at least a bettet atmosphere anc conditions of service in the Civil Service and Osun State at large.”
While commending Governor Ademola Adeleke for prioritising the welfare of active and passive workers, as well as the development of the State, the group stressed the need to stop the recurrence of the evil perpetrated against workers and pensioners during the Aregbesola-led administration in the state.
Also, the Contributory pensioners (2017-2025) unbonded have refuted claims by the state government that their entitlements have been cleared completely.
The group’s spokesperson, Awodele Olusola, said the state government has not settled their entitlement, adding that the Adeleke-led administration is still owing the class of 2017-2025 retirees their benefits.
He further stated that the government released N4.9billion around April/May and another N3.3billion in November 2024 but still only covered a small fraction of retirees awaiting payment.
According to him, “As we are now, BONDS- Beneficiaries, covering 2017-2025, are still waiting helplessly on the queue with no definite assurance from Osun State Government. Primary Schools in 2017-2025, Local Government Retirees on 2023- 2025, while Secondary School, Civil and Tertiary Contributory Pensioners are between 2020 – 2025, respectively.”
He recalled the promises made by Governor Adeleke during the last gubernatorial election that he would address the issue of the pending pensions, adding, “We thereby appeal to lovers of humanities, worldwide, to help us appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke, to please, prioritize our good Living.”
The post Pensioners vow to stop Aregebesola from returning to govt appeared first on Vanguard News.
” style=”width:100%; height:auto;”>
Pensioners in Osun State, represented by the 2011/2012 Retired Public Servants Association, have voiced their opposition to former governor Rauf Aregbesola’s potential return to power through indirect means. The group recently protested against what they see as mistreatment by the government regarding pension arrears. They believe Aregbesola’s return could lead to further economic hardship and negatively impact workers and retirees, citing past experiences during his tenure. They praised Governor Ademola Adeleke for focusing on worker welfare and state development, urging the prevention of a recurrence of past issues.
Additionally, Contributory pensioners (2017-2025) have disputed the Osun State government’s claim of fully settling their entitlements. The spokesperson for the group highlighted that despite the release of funds in 2024, many retirees are still awaiting payment. The pensioners are appealing to Governor Adeleke to prioritize addressing their pending pensions to improve their quality of life.
Original Source: Vanguard News