SAHARA REPORTERS
A group, Association of Public Servants Retirees, has stated that at least 9,000 of its members have died of hunger and suffering over their unpaid pension by the Nigerian government.
The group lamented that 1% of monthly deductions from their salary from the year 2008 to 2018 stands at the sum of N32 billion from over 150,000 public servants throughout the 36 states of the country.
The retirees alleged that the deductions were made by the Head of Service.
Abayomi Arijeniwa, the lawyer representing the group, made this known in letter titled ‘RE: “Reminder” Authority To Release Members Contribution’s Fund Stolen Recovered And Lodged With The CBN’ and dated October 30, 2024.
The letter was addressed to the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, through the Director, Banking & Supervision and Payment Management System Department, Abuja.
He stressed that director of Pension, one Mr. Shuabu San and his Deputy Director who were incharge of the fund were indicted in 2010 and funds were recovered from them by ICPC and was transferred and lodged at the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.
The group, however, called on the CBN to release the money lodged with it for the benefit of its members.
The letter partly reads, “We act as solicitors to the Sole Consultant to Association of Public Servants Retirees herein after called our client on whose behalf and instruction we write you this letter.
“Our client briefed us that 1% of monthly deduction from the salary of Public Servants Retirees from the year 2008 to 2018 stands at the sum of N32B from over 150,000 Public Servants throughout the 36 States of the Country.
“The deduction was by the Head of Service.
“The then Director of Pension one Mr. Shuabu San and his Deputy Director who were in charge of the fund were indicted in 2010 and funds were recovered from them by ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices & Other Related Offences Commission) and was transferred and lodged at the CBN.
“The total money owed to the Association is N32B from 2008 to 2018.
“Our client, the Association of Public Servants Retirees hereby makes and humbly request that the CBN use her good offices to release the money lodge with her for the benefit of our members out of which 9,000 had since died because of hunger and suffering.
“In conclusion, we look forward to your granting our request accordingly. We hereby attached two letters for your perusal and necessary action please.”
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN SAHARA REPORTERS
