The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), has endorsed Governor Francis Nwifuru for the 2027 general election.
The union endorsed the Nwifuru during award presentation to him as the best pensioner friendly Governor
Speaking during the event in Abakaliki, the state capital on Thursday, National President of the union, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, represented by his Deputy, Abdulahi Onuh commended the Governor for clearing pensions and gratuity of retired workers in the state from 1996 till date.
“Clearing pensions and gratuity of pensioners from 1996 till date is not a small number of years. The Governor has written his name in gold.
“While in Kano, I thought that the Governor of Kano State is number one. I never knew that coming to Ebonyi State, the Kano Governor will be number two.
“To clear a backlog of pensions and gratuity from 1996 till date is a very big achievement. May God elongate the life of Ebonyi Governor. The Governor has done a lot.
“The head of service has gone further to tell us that the state health insurance scheme is going to capture the retirees. We thank him very much “, he stated.
The National President urged the pensioners in the state to vote for the Governor in next year’s general election as appreciation for all he has been doing for them.
“You are indebted to the Governor. Use your PVCS and show him appreciation by voting for him in the 2027 general election.
“When you go home, off your clothes and tell your children that as of two years back, they were taking you to the hospital every week. You were calling your children both home and abroad, bring me my medical allowance.
” But the Governor has reduced the strength of your children in Nigeria and outside. Go and pay him back. Tell your children, tell your in-laws to pay the Governor back by voting for him “, he told the pensioners.
In her remarks, the state Chairman of NUP, Comrade Anna Ibiam said for many years, retired workers were not paid their pensions and gratuities until Governor Nwifuru came in and cleared it
“Many of our colleagues died waiting without receiving their gratuity may their soul rest in peace.
“You came, Your Excellency, and you changed our story. You not only pay our monthly pensions regularly and promptly, you did what many thought was impossible-you cleared the backlog of gratuity from 1996 to date.
“We have been hearing reports from our sister states in the South East-Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Imo. We hear our colleagues there are still crying and suffering over unpaid pensions/ Gratuity.
“But here in Ebonyi, we are smiling. That is why we in Ebonyi State Council say,without fear or contradiction, that you are number one in the whole South East.
“Therefore, we, the Ebonyi State Council of NUP, have unanimously resolved to honour and endorse you for second tenure today with the award of the most pensioners friendly Governor”, she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Local Government Staff Pension Board(LGSPB) in the state, Comrade Emeka Nwonu commended the pensioners for showing appreciation for all the Governor has done for them by honouring him and urged them to cast their votes for him in the 2027 general election.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Secretary to the Government, Professor Grace Umezuruike commended the NUP for honouring him and endorsing him for second tenure.
He implored them to replicate what the cement the honour and endorsement during the general election by voting for him.
He assaured that his administration will continue to improve the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.
“Reward and gratitude is more benefit and also you’ve shown that one good turn deserves another.
That’s what you have shown him today and the government and our dear Governor, we do not take it for granted given the governor your word to have endorsed him for second tenure.
“Like our dear guest, the representative of the National President said it shouldn’t be only words, go out, mobilize your grandchildren, your daughter in laws, your son in laws, anyone, related to you should come out to cast their votes for him in the general election “, he said.