From Joseph Adahnu, Yola
Adamawa State retirees, have expressed frustration over the non implementation of Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s pledge to clear their pension arrears.
The governor had earlier announced that his administration would release N5 billion for state pensioners and N3 billion for local government retirees to ease their financial burden.
Three months after the announcement, nothing has been heard from the government regarding the payment schedule. or disbursement modalities.
The silence has sparked anxiety among pensioners who say they are already battling severe economic hardships.
Affected retirees who spoke on condition of anonymity, appealed directly to Governor Fintiri, to come to their aid. They stressed that many of them are living in dire conditions, struggling to meet daily needs such as food, rent and healthcare.
According to them, “We respect the governor because he has a record of keeping promises. That is why we are appealing to him to save our souls by fulfilling this pledge. Many of us have been waiting for this money for years. Some are already dead without eating from the fruits of their labour”.
According to the pensioners, the state government has an outstanding backlog of unpaid pensions dating back to August 2015. They argue that clearing part of the debt will give them a fresh sense of relief and restore hope in their twilight years.
They noted that the governor’s intervention, when fulfilled, would not only provide immediate financial relief but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to their welfare.
“Most of us are old, frail and sick. Paying us what is due will give us a new lease of life. We are not asking for charity but for our rights. We worked for the state and local governments, and now we deserve to reap the benefits of our labour”.
A public affairs analyst, Sali Abubakar, warned that the government’s silence since the announcement risks breeding anger among retirees and their families. Already, whispers of disillusionment are spreading within pensioners’ circles, with some expressing doubts about whether the funds will ever be released.
The delay comes at a time when inflation and rising costs of living have worsened the plight of vulnerable groups across Nigeria. For many retirees, pension remain their only means of survival. Without timely intervention, they fear being pushed further into poverty and neglect.
