The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has thrown its weight behind the re-election bid of Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, ahead of the 2027 general elections, commending his administration for clearing outstanding pension and gratuity arrears accumulated over three decades.
The union made its position known on Thursday in Abakaliki, during a ceremony where it honoured Governor Nwifuru with the award of **Most Pensioner-Friendly Governor**, in recognition of what it described as his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired workers.
Speaking at the occasion, the National President of NUP, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, represented by his deputy, Abdulahi Onuh, praised the governor for addressing the longstanding pension and gratuity liabilities owed to retired workers in the state from 1996 to date.
Onuh described the clearance of the decades-old arrears as a remarkable achievement, noting that the governor had demonstrated uncommon commitment to improving the living conditions of pensioners.
He disclosed that he had previously regarded the Governor of Kano State as a leading example in pensioners’ welfare but said his experience in Ebonyi had given him a different perspective on the level of commitment demonstrated by the Nwifuru administration.
The NUP national leadership also applauded the state government's decision to extend its health insurance scheme to retired workers, describing the initiative as another significant step towards protecting pensioners from the financial challenges associated with healthcare.
Onuh urged pensioners in Ebonyi to reciprocate the governor's gestures by supporting his re-election in 2027. He specifically encouraged them to mobilise their children, relatives and other family members to vote for Nwifuru, arguing that regular pension payments and the settlement of outstanding gratuities had eased the financial pressure on retirees and their families.
In her remarks, the Ebonyi State Chairman of NUP, Comrade Anna Ibiam, recalled the difficult experiences pensioners endured before the emergence of the present administration, particularly years of unpaid pensions and accumulated gratuity entitlements.
Ibiam regretted that some retirees died without receiving their benefits, describing the situation as painful and unfortunate.
She, however, noted that the Nwifuru administration had significantly changed the narrative through the prompt payment of monthly pensions and the clearance of gratuity arrears dating back to 1996.
According to her, the development has brought considerable relief to retired workers who had endured years of uncertainty and financial hardship.
Comparing pensioners' welfare in Ebonyi with reports from other South-East states, including Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo, Ibiam maintained that retirees in Ebonyi were currently enjoying improved welfare conditions.
She further disclosed that the Ebonyi State Council of NUP had unanimously resolved to honour the governor and endorse him for a second term, describing the recognition as a demonstration of the union's appreciation for his pension reforms and welfare policies.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Comrade Emeka Nwonu, commended the pensioners for acknowledging the governor's interventions and urged them to demonstrate their appreciation through active participation in the 2027 general elections.
Responding, Governor Nwifuru, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike, expressed gratitude to the union for the award and endorsement.
The governor called on the pensioners to translate their support into electoral participation by mobilising their families and ensuring they exercise their voting rights during the 2027 elections.
He assured them that his administration remained committed to sustaining policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of both serving workers and retired civil servants across Ebonyi State.
Alternative headline: NUP Endorses Nwifuru for Second Term, Says Ebonyi Pensioners Have New Lease of Life
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