Local government pensioners in Kwara State under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have urged the state government to implement their 2010 and 2011 pay rise.

The pensioners also lamented the dichotomy between the state and local government pensioners' pay in the state.

In a statement jointly signed by the chairman and secretary of local government pensioners association, Alhaji Isiaka Akanbi and Alhaji Oladimeji Saidu, the aggrieved pensioners urged the state government ensure fairness, equity and justice in the allocation of funds to both the state pension board and the local government staff pension board.

The statement reads: "Despites the various challenges facing all local government pensioners in the state, the local government pensioners remain steadfast to the corporate existence of the state and are solidly behind the current administration of Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

"We call on the state government to source for fund to pay the backlog of arrears of local government gratuities arising from August 2008 till date pointing out that the state pensioners are receiving theirs as and when due.

"It also appeals to the state to rise up to her sacred responsibilities by ensuring she maintains the course of justice, equity and fairness as what is good for the goose is also good for the gander."