The president of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Godwin Abumisi, says many of the state governors have become emperors and are ruling with iron hands.
Speaking in Abuja weekend during the Pensioners’ Day celebration, Abumisi blasted state governments owing pensioners their entitlements.
He said: “Our major challenges have been with the state governments many of whom have become emperors in their various states. They govern with iron hands in a democratic setting as ours.
“Many of them collapsed governance instruments together under their palms as the-one-man all-powerful governor is the judiciary, the legislature and the executive put together.
“I wish to place on records that the payment of monthly pension to the pensioners is a right not a privilege. Unfortunately, the constitution does not prescribe any punishment for such erring governors who treat the pensioners with disdain.’
“Never will it be said again that Nigerian pensioners are spare tyres and they’re old enough to die. We shall take our pride of place in this country and stand firmly to claim our rights from the government of this nation that we’ve used our youthful strength to serve.”
