The Joint Action Committee, JAC, of non-teaching staff unions, including the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, the Non-academics Staff Unions of Universities, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists, NAAT, of the University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, have expressed frustration and disappointment over the non-payment of pension arrears to retired staff of the institution.
The unions have also vowed to deposit the corpse of any pensioner who dies while trying to process and secure the pension fund from the Accountant General ‘s office.
Odong Bassey Ekeh, chairman of NASU and Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Cross River State, who made their position public, on behalf of the protesters, stated that the workers were forced to take drastic measures to bring attention to the plight of their retired colleagues.
“Our grievance is that a system is in place to ensure that pensions are computed, audited, and paid, unfortunately, payments have not been made since June this year,” Ekeh said.
It was alleged by protest participants that the Accountant General’s office is seeking the governor’s approval to pay the pensions, but questioned why this should be a complex process.
It was alleged by protest participants that the Accountant General’s office is seeking the governor’s approval to pay the pensions, but questioned why this should be a complex process.
He described the situation as “ill-treatment” and pleaded with the state governor, Bassey Otu, to intervene and ensure that the retirees receive their entitlements.
“We are not asking for a favour; we are demanding our rights, the government is funding the university, and it’s their responsibility to ensure that retirees are paid their pensions and gratuities.”
The protesters warned that if the issue is not resolved, they would escalate the matter to the national level.
