By CHARLES IWUOHA

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), a non-governmental organization, has written to Governor Alex Otti of Abia state concerning the plight of pensioners in the state, under his administration.

The group expressed concerns over the pension administration system and structure in the state which requires urgent review and reform to ensure efficiency and fairness.

In the letter entitled: "Urgent intervention on pensioners' Welfare in Abia State: Call for Enforceable Payment Agreement (EPA) and Rejection of Forfeiture Agreement,? stated that pensioners in Abia State have suffered severe economic hardship due to years of unpaid pension and gratuities from various administration.

In a statement issued on Friday signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director and Barrister Femisi Akande, Head legal Team and Litigation We seek your urgent intervention to address the non-payment of pension arrears and the introduction of an unjust forfeiture agreement.

The statement read:

?Despite promises from the government, Abia State still experiences a backlog of unpaid pensions. Many retirees continue to face difficulties in receiving their rightful entitlements.

?The move by your administration to address the issue of pension is a welcome development and we commend you for your prompt payment of the pension.

?We are however worried and concerned that your recent moves to introduce a forfeiture agreement further exacerbates their plight by compelling them to relinquish a portion of their earned benefits (pension & gratuity), a move that we deem illegal, unjust, and exploitative.

?Furthermore, the existing PASS in the state has proven ineffective, causing unnecessary delays and bureaucratic challenges for pensioners.

?Implementation of an Enforceable Payment Agreement (EPA): We call on your government to adopt a legally binding framework for pension payment that guarantees timely and complete disbursement of funds to retirees.

"Rejection of the Forfeiture Agreement: We urge Abia State Government to review policy that seeks to deprive pensioners of their lawful benefits. Such an agreement contradicts the principles of justice and human dignity.

"Immediate Payment of Arrears: The state government should urgently pay outstanding pension arrears and gratuities without further delay or deductions.

"Reform of the PASS: We demand a comprehensive review and restructuring of the Pension Administration System and Structure to eliminate inefficiencies, reduce delays, and ensure prompt and transparent payments to pensioners.

"Dialogue and Transparency: We request the Abia state Government to engage in meaningful discussions to ensure transparency and accountability in pension administration.

"The suffering of our senior citizens must not be ignored. We appeal he Government to take immediate action in protecting the rights and welfare of pensioners in Abia State

It stated that Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) remains committed to advocating for justice and ensuring that pensioners receive their lawful entitlements

"We will continue to sustain the campaign to ensure your Government live up to their responsibility and fulfill your campaign promise of offsetting the backlog of pensions and gratuity of Abia State Workplace owned by the previous administration.

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