The Public Complaints Commission has asked the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, to explain in writing within 30-days why he is not paying retirees in the state their correct pensions as stipulated by law.

In a letter to the governor signed by the Assistant Director of Investigation in the commission, Charles Ekwunife, which was obtained by our correspondent, the PCC stated that the query was based on a petition by a citizen over the denial of his due pension entitlements.

The petitioner (name withheld) had stated that the Obiano administration claimed to be paying pension, but half of the pensioners were being paid far below what was due to them.

The petitioner stated, “The pension law states that pension should be reviewed every five years or whenever there is new minimum wage.”

Sequel to that, the PCC had asked the governor to explain within 30-days why the right thing in the circumstance was not being done.

The letter read in part, “I am directed to forward herewith a letter of complaint (with its attachments) on the above subject matter by the aforementioned complainant for your Excellency’s information and necessary action.

“Recall that a similar petition had been forwarded to you through our letter No. PCC/AN/2015/C.7334/7 dated February 2, 2016, to which a response was received from the office of Head of Service through a letter No: HOS/ED/ED/81/32 dated July 13, 2018 (copies attached).

“In the said letter, the state government acknowledged that it was mindful of the plight of the pensioners concerning harmonisation, consequent upon which a special committee on labour headed by the Deputy Governor was set up by your Excellency.

“Sadly, according to the complainant, the harmonisation of pension has not been done since the Deputy Governor’s committee submitted its recommendation to you for implementation since 2018.

“In view of the foregoing, your Excellency is hereby requested to respond to the allegations not later than 30 days of the receipt of this letter pursuant to the provisions of Section 5(7) of the Public Complaints Commission Act, CAP P.37, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, or in the alternative, to redress the alleged wrong by giving approval for the implementation of the recommendation of the special committee on the harmonisation of pension in Anambra State.

 “While expecting your Excellency’s response to the above inquiry, please accept as always, assurances of the Honourable Federal Commissioner’s warm regards.”

By Tony Okafor