NLC Commends Wike On Verification Of Pensioners

From Ekaete Ikubor

PORT HARCOURT

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Council, has commended Governor Nyesom Wike on the commencement of verification of pensioners towards the payment of gratuity, pension arrears and death benefits.

This followed the governor’s approval on Tuesday of immediate payment of outstanding gratuity, monthly pensions and death benefits to retirees in the state public service.

Wike, through the director-general of the State Pension Board, Mr. Ijeoma Samuel, in a statement he issued in Port Harcourt, explained that the exercise would be done in phases.

The NLC, in a statement signed by the vice chairmen, MorfordTemple; Alex Ikechi; Opi Erekosima and state Treasurer, Awashi Eze noted that the governor’s action fulfilled an earlier pledge by the government.

“The state council commends His Excellency, Chief NyesomWike, on the commencement of verification of pensioners towards the payment of gratuity, pension arrears, and death benefits”, the statement read.

“This singular action demonstrates the fulfilment of the earlier pledge made by the government.”

The statement disclosed that the state NLC council has appointed an erstwhile vice-chairman, Emecheta Chuku, as acting chairman to replace the former chairman, Beatrice Itubo.

The new appointment was necessitated by the emergence of Beatrice Itubo as the standard-bearer of Labour Party in the state in the forthcoming governorship election.