The Abia Pensioners Forum has criticised the state government for allegedly neglecting the welfare of pensioners while paying allowances and other entitlements owed to former councillors and local government chairmen.

The pensioners voiced their concerns while addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday.

Speaking on behalf of the senior citizens, the forum’s coordinator, Okey Kanu, said pensioners who served the state for 35 years or retired upon attaining the age of 60 were still waiting for pension arrears and gratuities inherited from previous administrations.

Kanu reminded Governor Alex Otti of the commitments he made to Abia pensioners ahead of the 2023 elections.

He said some pensioners had either fallen ill or died without receiving the pension arrears and gratuities they were owed.

“Those still alive need this payment to feed, buy drugs and attend to other subsistent needs and health challenges,” Kanu said.

He questioned the alleged payment of entitlements to former local government chairmen and councillors who served for only two years under previous administrations.

“Ironically, since last year, former local government chairmen and councillors who served only two years under previous administrations have been paid their entitlements by the present administration.

“What an injustice that pensioners who retired after 35 years of service or on attaining 60 years of age are treated with levity, disdain and ignominy,” he said.

Kanu, a lawyer, expressed disappointment that despite the campaign promises made by Otti to pensioners in 2023, the administration had yet to resolve pension and gratuity obligations inherited from the previous government.

He also disputed reports that the pension arrears inherited by the Otti administration had been completely settled.

The Abia Pensioners Forum maintained that its members would continue to demand their outstanding entitlements and would not forfeit any benefits owed to them by the Abia State Government.