Abakaliki:The Ebonyi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for a second term in office for the 2027 general elections. This endorsement comes as a result of his administration’s efforts in settling outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired workers.
According to Voice of Nigeria, the union awarded Nwifuru as the most pensioner-friendly governor. Other award recipients included the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Uchenna Igwe, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Prince Chinedu Uburu. The event was held on Thursday in Abakaliki, with the NUP National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, represented by his Deputy, Abdulahi Onuh, commending the governor for clearing pension and gratuity arrears dating back to 1996.
Onuh highlighted that clearing such a backlog is a significant achievement and praised the governor for this accomplishment. He also acknowledged the state government’s initiative to include retirees in the state health insurance scheme, as communicated by the Head of Service.
Despite the achievements, Onuh appealed to the governor to increase the monthly pensions of retirees in the state to N32,000, aligning with the minimum pension approved by the President of Nigeria. He emphasized that pension harmonization is a constitutional right, not a privilege, underscoring the need for periodic increases in pensions.
The NUP National President urged pensioners in Ebonyi to utilize their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to support Nwifuru in the upcoming 2027 general elections, expressing the union’s gratitude for his interventions.
Comrade Anna Ibiam, the Ebonyi State Chairman of NUP, remarked on the hardships faced by retired workers before Nwifuru’s administration, noting the governor’s efforts in clearing long-standing arrears and ensuring timely pension payments. The state council has unanimously resolved to honor and endorse Nwifuru for a second term.
Mr. Emeka Nwonu, Executive Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB), also commended the pensioners for acknowledging the governor’s contributions and urged them to support him in the forthcoming elections.
Professor Grace Umezuruike, representing the governor, expressed gratitude for the endorsement and assured pensioners of continued improvements in their welfare, emphasizing that the government values the pensioners’ recognition and support.