ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) pensioners have urged the governor, Yemi Cardoso, to order payment of palliative to cushion their hardship.
They pleaded the palliative be paid with March pension.
In a statement by Chair, Joseph Usifo and Secretary, Olufemi Adebayo, the Concerned CBN Pensioners, said their pension could no longer sustain them amid rising cost.
“The purchasing power and real value of the pension is not up to 40 per cent of what it was by this time last year or even nine months ago,” the pensioners said.
They noted that payment of palliative is a national policy introduced by Federal Government to cushion hardship arising from removal of subsidy and floating of the naira.
“As many of us are aging, frail & ailing, we can’t embark on street protests or demonstrations before being given our due, hence our appeal to you (Cardoso).
“The CBN, as No.1 financial institution in the country, should lead the implementation of Federal Government’s policy like this one to benefit all, including pensioners.
“Because of hardship, we plead that palliative be paid to us with March pension.”
They noted that CBN Pensioners/Retirees Club wrote to CBN governor in October, requesting a three-month pension payment as palliative pending upward review of their pension.
They said their demand was restated in a December 1 communique.
“Regrettably, till this moment, there has not been a positive response from you.
“CBN pensioners continue to die in droves under the hardship without receiving this palliative…
“So, as a humane and compassionate leader, we await your positive response to our plea by your approving a palliative payment for us.
“Even if it’s less than three-month pension payment we requested, it will still be appreciated.”
