The Kwara State branch of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) yesterday appealed to the federal government to urgently settle all outstanding arrears and entitlements of federal retirees in the state.

The union noted that federal pensioners in Kwara have not been paid since the past four years, describing the development as pathetic and inhuman, as the affected pensioners had served the nation meritoriously.

This was contained in a statement jointly signed by the state NUP Chairman, Comrade Mohammed Haliru and Secretary, Chief S. O Ibidoja. 

According to the statement, the appeal became imperative after several fruitless trips to Abuja. Leaders of the affected pensioners had paid several visits to the offices of the Secretary to the Government of Federation (SGF), Head of Civil Service of the Federation and the Accountant General of the Federation without any result, according to the statement.

The NUP added that the affected pensioners had been living uncomfortable and unbearable lives as most of them were dying on daily basis while many are now sick but unable to go for medical care due to lack of funds. 

The pensioners, it added, have been finding it difficult to meet family obligations and other social responsibilities.

"As a listening government, these people should not be allowed to be undergoing untold hardship or die prematurely", they said, pleading with the federal government to consider their plight.