The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have been urged its members in Ebonyi to reciprocate Governor Francis Nwifuru ‘s magnamity over their welfare by voting for him in the 2027 general elections.
The National President of the union, Mr Godwin Abumisi made the call Abakaliki during its award to the governor as the best pensioner—friendly in Nigeria and endorsement for a second term in office.
Abumisi represented by his Deputy, Mr Abdulahi Onuh said Nwifuru’s gesture of offsetting the pensioners’ gratuity and pension arrears since 1996, should elicit appreciation from them.
“The governor has written his name in gold and you should ensure that your families, relatives friends and inlaws vote for him in the elections.
” I thought the Kano governor will lead the race in this show.of compassion but on coming to Ebonyi, I discovered that Nwufuru is number one.
“This is a very big achievement and I pray that God elongates his life.”
He expressed happiness over the state government’s declaration to capture the pensioners in its health insurance scheme.
“The governor has reduced the burden on the pensioners’ children as regards catering for them and this is the time to pay him back.”
The state Chairman of NUP, Mrs Anna Ibiam said for many years, retirees were owed pensions and gratuities until Nwifuru came and offset the backlog.
Ibiam said many pensioners in the state died without receiving their gratuities but the governor changed the story.
“We hear reports that our members in other states suffer over unpaid pensions and gratuities but we are smiling in Ebonyi.
“We therefore unanimously resolved to endorse the governor for a second term in office and award him the most pensioner friendly governor.”
The Executive Secretary of Ebonyi Local Government Staff Pension Board(LGSPB) Mr Emeka Nwonu commended the pensioners for appreciating the governor with the honour and endorsement.
Governor Francis Nwifuru, represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Prof. Grace Umezuruike commended the pensioners for the honour and sought their support towards his re-election.
“My administration will continue improving the welfare of workers and pensioners as your gesture will not be taken for granted.”
