Pensioners hail Buhari over paid entitlement arrears

By Egena Sunday Ode

Pensioners in the country have written a letter of appreciation and commendation to President Muhammadu Buhari, for payment of major part of their backlog of entitlements.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina yesterday, in Abuja.
In the letter signed by Elder Actor Zal, General Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), according to the statement, the pensioners described President Buhari as a leader “who listens to the yearnings and aspirations” of his subjects, noting that this was evidenced by “the deliberate efforts being put in place by your government to put smiles on the faces of our members.”
Fill text of the letter reproduced by Adesina in the statement read:
“The leadership and entire members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners wishes to express her profound appreciation to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for the release of enabling circular for the payment of the consequential adjustment of pension and the immediate release of funds for the payment of the accrued two years arrears.
“Despite the economic odds, the moment the circular was released, the President through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) commenced payment to pensioners nationwide by the initial release of 12 months in June, and another payment of six months in July, leaving the balance of six months pending. We do sincerely hope that the balance will be cleared in due course.
“The Union notes with great nostalgia the deliberate efforts being put in place by your government to put smiles on the faces of our members nationwide and we are appreciatively indebted to your government.
“This singular action of yours goes to attest to the fact that you are, indeed, a listening President who listens to the yearnings and aspirations of your subjects.”