By Adebayo Yusuf
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP southwest zone, has described the registration of Pensioners Association of Nigeria, PAN by Ekiti State Government as illegal and lacks the backing of the Trade Union Act.
The Public Relations Officer, NUP, Southwest zone, Comrade Olusegun Abatan made this known in an interview with newsmen at the union’s quarterly meeting held in Akure, Ondo State capital.
According to Comrade Abatan, the formation of PAN has led to the state government withholding the check off dues of the union and called for the prompt release of the dues and annulment of PAN’s registration.
Comrade Abatan, who is also Secretary, Oyo NUP advised Governor Biodun Oyebanji to work with members of the state NUP registered under the Trade Union Act to avoid division among the pensioners in the state.
He also urged Governor Oyebanji to fast track the payment of arrears of pensions and gratuities.
Some disgruntled pensioners in Ekiti State, led by the immediate past state chairman of Ekiti NUP, Comrade Joel Akinola, had established PAN, aiming to better protect members’ interests and improve welfare packages.
