Pensioners under the aegis of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, on Monday appealed to the federal government to include its members in the proposed distribution of palliatives to cushion the economic hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The Pensioners also pleaded with government to consider them in the proposed six months tax-free payment to public servants as well as the payment of all outstanding liabilities to public and civil servants.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the NUP President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, flanked by other members of the National Executive Council, NEC, of the union, said that the removal of fuel subsidy has further impoverished and pauperized the vulnerable Nigeria pensioners like other vulnerable group of persons who are struggling and battling for survival.
Although NUP commended President Bola Tinubu for taking the bull by the horn in the removal of fuel subsidy, it noted that the government appeared to have put the horse before the cart, adding that the first thing to be done before taking the decision was to put in place the necessary palliatives before removing the subsidy.
The senior citizens said in view of the ongoing discussion on the proposed palliatives which has taken the centerstage in the country, as critical stakeholders and an integral part of the society, they have to add their voices bearing in mind the vulnerability of their members.
NUP called on the leadership of State Councils across the states to take up the matter of the palliatives package with their various State Governments on the ‘must’ inclusion of the pensioners either by the issuance of similar press releases or seeking audience with their respective State Governments or both, with immediate effect.
