By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
(C) Google.
A Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) retiree in Lokoja, Kogi State, has promised to trek to Aso Villa, the seat of Nigeria’s federal government, to personally greet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu once his long-overdue allowances are paid.
The pensioner, who identified himself simply as Abauakaka, made the pledge on Friday in reaction to news of a possible commencement of payments.
The information was posted on the WhatsApp platform of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS) chapter in Lokoja.
“I pray all our prayers shall come to pass. Then, I will trek to Aso Villa to greet Mr. President Tinubu,” he wrote in response.
Our correspondent reports that preparations are underway for the payment of outstanding CPS benefits following the presentation of a ₦758 billion treasury bond by President Tinubu to the Senate for approval.
The funds are intended to clear arrears of allowances owed to CPS retirees dating back to 2007, along with other pension-related obligations.
About a month ago, the Senate approved the ₦758 billion, paving the way for implementation by the Debt Management Office (DMO).
In a recent broadcast to CPS retirees nationwide, NUPCPS National Chairman, Mr. Sylva Nwaiwu, disclosed that the payment process had reached an advanced stage at the DMO.
“We are on the right track at the DMO, and we assure you that we are closer to payment day than ever before,” Nwaiwu said.
He expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu and members of the Federal Executive Council for their commitment to pensioners’ welfare.
“We owe this government, under the leadership of President Tinubu, a lot of thanks, as well as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and the Honourable Minister of Finance,that Godly man.
“Everything he told us on the day of our protest has come to pass. We are grateful to all these Nigerians whom God has decided to use to wipe away our tears at this time,” he said.
Nwaiwu urged members to remain patient, assuring them that payments would be made “very soon”, adding that every CPS retiree will receive his or her allowances in full.
He also noted that both President Tinubu and the Director-General of PENCOM are eager to ensure prompt implementation.
Record shows that the distance from Lokoja to Abuja, by road,is about 195–200 kilometers,depending the exact starting point in Lokoja and the route taken.
Given the fact that most travelers use the Lokoja–Abuja Expressway, realistically, it will take around 5–7 days to trek from Lokoja to Abuja.
