The Chairman, National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Comrade A.C. Okeke has revealed that at least 10 retirees of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, died while waiting for payment of their pension.
Comrade A.C. Okeke, who is also the leader of Joint Action Committee of Trade Unions (JAC), stated this while addressing members of Anambra State House of Assembly, during a protest organized by group of workers which comprises of Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
During the protest, Okeke said, “Some of our members have died while waiting for payment of their pension. About 10 of them that we know have died.
“On a daily basis, you see our retired members who come to the university gate to beg for money, and we feel pained about their plight.
“It is for these reasons that we decided to come here and tell you people. We have been very lenient with the school management, but we are already fed up. They keep telling us to exercise patience, but this has been on for a long time without any hope.”
The groups claimed that the university was owing them over N4.6 billion.
A member of the state of Assembly, Hon Emeka Aforka who represents Orumba South state constituency who addressed the protesting workers expressed unhappiness over their plight.
“We feel your pain, and we are Happy that as enlightened people from the state’s citadel of learning, you decided on a peaceful protest, and that is very much appreciated.
“The Speaker of the state assembly, Rt Hon Uche Okafor is unavoidably absent, but he has sent me to represent him and hear from you. We shall ensure that we do the needful by bringing this to the notice of the state governor.
“To assure you of our concern, you will hear from us very soon over this, but we urge you to remain law abiding,” he said.
