FENRAD Calls for Enforceable Pension Payment Plan, Faults Abia Government’s Alleged Forfeiture Agreement.

By Raymond Enoch

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has expressed concern over the ongoing dispute between the Abia State government and pensioners regarding unpaid arrears.

The civil society group has closely followed media reports, official statements, and reactions from retirees, leading to the following key observations which the group calls for an immediate action.

Governor Alex Otti initially pledged to clear all pension and salary arrears by December 2023 but later admitted underestimating the financial burden. Reports indicate that a ₦10 billion settlement deal was allegedly signed between the government and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Abia State. However, pensioners later claimed they did not sign or were coerced into doing so.

Governor Otti has publicly criticized pensioners, calling them “dishonest” and “stupid,” remarks which FENRAD condemns as inappropriate and divisive.

The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, referred to the payments as “ex gratia,” raising questions about the government’s approach to pension obligations, which FENRAD insists should be treated as a legal right, not a discretionary payment.

Pensions Are a Right, Not a Favor: While the governor’s efforts to regularize payments are acknowledged, any attempt to seek a forfeiture deal from retirees is unacceptable.

The government must adopt a transparent, structured payment plan to clear arrears without forcing pensioners into financial hardship.

The group said that Instead of confrontational rhetoric, Governor Otti should reopen negotiations with retirees to ensure a fair, practical, and lasting solution.

Also FENRAD noted that the governor’s remark about the NUP hiring a lawyer linked to an opposition party is unnecessary and s distraction from the core issue.

FENRAD urges the Abia State government to adopt the Enforceable Payment Agreement (EPA) framework, ensuring structured, transparent, and sustainable pension payments. Addressing this issue pragmatically will not only resolve pension disputes but also uphold the rights and dignity of retirees who have served the state.