Again, Ogun pensioners overpower security men, block governor’s office
For the third time in about four months, pensioners on Thursday stormed the Ogun State governor’s office in Abeokuta, protesting against unpaid gratuities. The retirees under the aegis of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN) have been protesting the non-payment of N68 billion 10 years outstanding gratuities. In September, the pensioners blocked the […]
Protesting pensioners at the gate of the Government House (File)
For the third time in about four months, pensioners on Thursday stormed the Ogun State governor’s office in Abeokuta, protesting against unpaid gratuities.
The retirees under the aegis of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN) have been protesting the non-payment of N68 billion 10 years outstanding gratuities.
In September, the pensioners blocked the two main gates of the secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, and locked out the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, during their demonstration.
Also in June, the pensioners clashed with some security agents who shut them out of the state secretariat when they were advancing towards the governor’s office, as part of their protests against delayed gratuities.
The retirees who appeared adamant staged another protest on Thursday to demand an audience with Governor Dapo Abiodun over their plights.
Our correspondent reports that the aggrieved retirees who stormed the state secretariat around 9am met stiff resistance from the security operatives in attempt to shut the two gates leading into the seat of power.
The security personnel made frantic efforts to stop the protesters from shutting down the exit points, leading to shoving and pushing between both parties.
The angry retirees, however, overwhelmed the security men and locked the gates.
For about 30 minutes, the placard-carrying senior citizens took over the gates and prevented entry and exit from the state secretariat.
The state’s Head of Service, Dr Nafiu Aigoro, led the state officials to pacify the aggrieved protesters.
Aigoro said the government would ensure a comfortable post-retirement life for its local government pensioners, irrespective of the challenges they now face.
State Chairman of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN), Alhaji Sikiru Ayilara, while responding, appealed to the state government to find a lasting solution to the challenges against payment of monthly entitlements.