By: Mark Lenu
The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has elected its new leadership to pilot the affairs of the union for the next four years.
The election which saw the emergence of Comrade Sammy Eke as chairman took place on Thursday April 9 at the union’s secretariat in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
In his inaugural speech, the newly elected chairman, Comrade Eke said: “This administration is poised for the peace and unity of pensioners; their welfare and individual self development through various welfare packages and economic empowerment schemes.
”I will prevail on the government to make the payment of pension and gratuity a priority in line with international best practices; liaise with NLC leadership and other stakeholders to ensure that all circulars in favour of an improved net pension are implemented to the letter.
”May I also use this opportunity to make the followiing demands from the Rivers State Government under the able leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers state, Sir Siminalayi Fubara:
”(1) To implement the committee report on the upward review of the monthly pension, occasioned by the new minimum wage of 85,000 naira in the state.
”(2) To increase the monthly allocation for gratuities to offset all unpaid gratuities and arrears of monthly pensions in the state, as more civil servants retire from the civil service.
”(3) Extend the FREE MEDICAL PROGRAMME for the elderly to capture all pensioners in the State, sixty (60) years and above for their healthcare needs.
”(4) Donate an eighteen (18) seater bus to the union to ease our numerous trips within and outside the State.
”I have a firm believe that these requests will meet the favourable attention of Your Excellency and the good people of Rivers State.
”The task ahead of this executive is enormous but your prayers and support will make it a lot more easier.”
The state NUP chairman also commended the outgoing state leadership and his predecessors for a job well done and promised to work with them for the good interest of the union.
LIST OF THE NEW EXCOS OF RIVERS NUP:
(1) Comrade Sammy Eke.- Chairman
(2) Comrade Grace I. B. Jaja- Vice Chairman
(3) Comrade Queen D.Okubo.-Treasurer
(4) Comrade Gift Bara- Hart- Auditor
(5) Comrade Edward Nwidag- Trustee 1
(6) Comrade Amadi Assor- Trustee 2.
(7) Comrade Abiye Sekibo- Ex- officio member
(8) Comrade Gladys Amadi-Ex- officio member
(9) Comrade Ibim F. Bobmanuel- Ex- officio member
(10) Comrade Tonye Omubo.- Ex- officio Member.
