RSG SETS UP PENSIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE

Following the sufferings experienced by Pensioners in the State Civil Service, the Rivers State Government has constituted an eight-member committee to review the process of pensions payment to retiring workers.

The Committee which has the Head of Service as Chairman include Director General Pensions Board, Director Pensions in the Ministry of Finance, Director Pensions in the Ministry of Establishments and Director Pensions (Audit) in the Office of the Auditor General.

Other members include the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Permanent Secretary Establishment and Director Pensions in Parastatals Pensions Board who is to serve as Secretary.

Inaugurating the Committee today in Port Harcourt on behalf of the State Governor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Secretary to the State Government Hon. Magnus Abe, charged the Committee to review the current process of handling payment of pensions and gratuities to retired workers in the state.

Hon. Abe noted that the current process where retiring workers write letters of disengagement and move from office to office before tracing such letters was embarrassing to the state and those retiring from service after serving dutifully.

“The state government is determined to see that those who served the state do not suffer at the point of getting their pensions and gratuities”, Hon. Abe stated, emphasizing that the Committee was to review and reform the system so that those retiring would not face difficulties in getting their entitlements.

The Secretary to the State Government said on assumption of office two years ago, Governor Amaechi paid all outstanding arrears of pensions and gratuities to retired workers and wondered how pensioners are still suffering to ensure that their entitlements are given to them.

He therefore advised the Committee to take the assignment seriously and create a system whereby those retiring are given proper attention before leaving the service as a way of recognizing their contributions to the state.