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Tag: CPS

  • PSC promotes two CPs, 16 DSPs, others

    THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of two Commissioners of Police to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).

    It also approved the promotion of 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to the rank of Commissioners and 3,665 others to various ranks.

    One of those promoted as  AIGs is Igbodo O. David, who until the promotion was the Commissioner of Police (Legal), Force Headquarters.

    Details of the promotion were contained in a statement issued yesterday by the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Ikechukwu Ani, after the PSC’s 28th plenary meeting in Abuja.

    The meeting was also the last official function of former IG Mike Okiro, whose tenure came to an end on Monday, June 11.

    The statement reads: “The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of 3,665 senior police officers.

    “Two Commissioners of Police, Igbodo  O. David, Cp, Legal, Force Headquarters and Olalekan Abdulfatai, Works, also of Force Headquarters, were promoted substantive Assistant Inspectors  General of General.

    “Sixteen Deputy Commissioners of Police were also promoted to Commissioners of Police. They include DCP Wakili Maye and DCP Kurawa Abdullahi Sarki.

    “The commission also approved the promotion of 13 Assistant Commissioners of Police to Deputy Commissioners, 60 Chief Superintendents of Police to Assistant Commissioners and 631 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents.

    “Promoted to ACP were Msheliza Simi Masomene, Samuel Osman Onoja of Police College, Oji River, Enugu State, Lateef Adio Ahmed and Umar  Kabir among others. Promoted CSPs included Adekunle Char Ige, Bassey Essang, Liman Salisu Sulaiman and Emmanuel Adam.”

    It further reads: “The commission approved the promotion of 820 Deputy Superintendents of Police to substantive Superintendents. They include Ola Rosanla, Yusuf Abdulmumini and John Alesagba.

    “Others, whose promotions were approved by the commission, were 1,922 Assistant Superintendents of Police, ASPs, promoted to Deputy Superintendents. They Include ASP Chijioke Ogbodo, Divisional Police Officer, Umumba, in Enugu State, Arukwe Edward and Ozochi Amaechi Marcel, Area Crime Officer, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

    “Also, 201 Inspectors were promoted to Assistant Superintendent of police.”

    Ani added that the commission also approved confirmation of appointments of 42 officers of different ranks, approved acting appointment for another 73 and converted 1,060 specialists to general duty .

    The commission said the promotions have been forwarded to the IG for implementation in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the commission, Musa Isitifanus.

  • CPS: Retirees in 25 non-compliant states face uphill task

    Retired civil servants  in some states will find it difficult to receive their pension benefits as their state governments  are yet to implement the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), almost 14 years after its establishment.

    Among the states are Zamfara, Kebbi, Rivers, Imo, Benue, Kwara, Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Nassarawa, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba, Abia and Niger.

    Others are Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Katsina, Kwara, Plateau and Akwa Ibom.

    While pension problems in the states differ from one to another, the case of Yobe is precarious as it is the only state yet to take any step to join the CPS.

    But retirees from Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Kaduna, Delta, Anambra, Jigawa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Edo and Ekiti are meant to retire into a pleasant lifestyle as the states are remitting both employee and employer proportion of pension contribution to preferred Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) of their workers.

    Data made available to journalists by the pension regulatory authority, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) showed that some of the states have commenced the process of resolving their pension problems.

    PenCom said only three states, Zamfara, Kebbi and Rivers, have  joined the scheme and are remitting only the employee proportion of pension contribution to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) of the  affected workers.

    In Imo, Benue, Kwara, Bauchi and Niger, only self funded agencies are remitting both employee and the employer portion of their contributions.

    However, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Nassarawa, Oyo, Sokoto, Taraba, Abia and Niger have enacted laws at their State House of Assemblies, but are yet to commence remittances.

    On the other hand, states such as Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross-River, Katsina, Kwara, Plateau and Akwa Ibom are only at the stage of enacting Bills in their respective states. On the contrary, Yobe State is yet to implement the CPS in any form.

    PenCom at a workshop with journalists said the Commission is doing all it can to ensure that the states implement the scheme to solve the myriads of pension problems accompanying the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) operated before the introduction of the CPS by the Federal Government.

    PenCom’s Acting Director-General, Mrs Aisha Dahir-Umar represented by the company secretary at a workshop in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, explained that when it comes to remittance or handling of finances for the states, the constitutional principle of fiscal federalism provides that appropriation from state treasuries has to be endorsed by state Houses of Assembly.

    She said: “If states have not enacted laws nor appropriated monies for remittance, then PenCom does not have any legal power to enforce compliance. We have our own ways of getting the states to do the needful. We have been engaging them through Labour.

    “But we have limitations. Many states have issues with their financials to the extent that they cannot even pay salaries. Salaries must be made first before you talk about pension contribution because it has to be remitted from salaries.

    “But we are trying our best to ensure that as they pay salaries, they remit pensions. We have also been engaging stakeholders especially the Nigeria Labour Congress,”she added.

  • ‘CPS has provided savings for Nigerians’

    The establishment of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has provided a platform for Nigerians to have savings with over N7.52 trillion pension fund assets.

    The newly-inaugurated President of the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria (PenOp), Mrs Aderonke Adedeji, who spoke with reporters, said people who didn’t think they would have savings now have it through the scheme.

    She said the country could  boast of long-term funds, adding that the pension industry has come to stay.

    She also said with good regulatory functions, pension fund managers have been able to build a solid foundation over the years.

    She said: “The new pension scheme has made a lot of difference in people’s lives. Sometimes, I think it is underestimated because, you have people who didn’t think they will have savings now have savings.

    “Nigeria now has a pool of long-term funds. These are some of the benefits of the scheme and we are happy about it. We have had challenges but a lot of progress has been made.”

     

  • Life annuity retirees under CPS hit 48,539

    •PenCom implements pension increase in Programme Withdrawal

    The number of retirees, who chose Life Annuity retirement plan, under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), has risen to 48,539.

    These are the retirees who applied to the National Pension Commission (PenCom) to get their retirement benefits through the annuity plan as at last December.

    This is coming at a time PenCom implemented its pension enhancement initiative, which resulted in increased monthly pensions for retirees under the Programmed Withdrawal.

    Upon retirement, retirees are to choose between the two payment options.

    Life Annuity refers to fixed payments paid at intervals over the specified annuity. A Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holder may, upon retirement or on attaining 50, buy an annuity from a life insurance company licensed by the National Insurance Commission with monthly or quarterly payments.

    Programmed withdrawals, on the other hand, refer to withdrawals of funds regularly, which may be monthly, quarterly. An RSA holder upon attaining retirement age or 50,   could request for the balance in his RSA to be paid out via programmed withdrawals.

    In a report by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), 6,851 applications for annuity retirement plan were approved as by last December.

    According to the Commission, this brings the total number of retirees receiving their retirement benefits through the annuity plan to 48,539.

    The report further showed that the  retirees received N6.32 billion as lump sum and paid annuity premium of N35.77 billion to insurance firms, cumulating in a total N60.29 billion and N241.62 billion as lump sums and annuity premium.

    The retirees were receiving average monthly annuity of N2.53 billion as at by last December.

    Amid this development, the review and enhancement of pensions of retirees under the Programmed Withdrawal may make the payment option more attractive to retirees.

    Explaining the reason for the enhancement, PenCom said based on retirement benefits paid, there were  pensioners whose monthly pensions were low when compared with their terminal salaries.

    The Commission said: “The reasons for low level of pension for certain category of pensioners include the recent generous salary increases, especially those retiring within the first 10 years of the Scheme, whose accrued pension rights were calculated based on their salaries as at June 2004. In addition, the relatively low monthly pension contributions for most public service workers continues to hamper the accumulation of sufficient funds in employees’ RSAs at retirement. Unlike the old Defined Benefits (DB) Scheme where some categories of public servants were entitled to fixed sums as pensions by administrative fiat, the CPS equitably ensures that each employee earns pensions commensurate to their RSA balances at retirement.

    “The issue of low pensions remains the most potent bait, which is being manipulated by various interest groups in attempting to undermine the lofty gains of the CPS in Nigeria. The foregoing scenario prompted the Commission to examine the balances in the RSA of retirees receiving pensions through Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs)under the programmed withdrawal. It was discovered that the returns being generated by the PFAs on the balances of the RSAs of the majority of the affected retirees could be used to enhance their monthly pensions.’’

    It continued: “Consequently, the Commission sought for and obtained the approval of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to implement the pension enhancement which resulted in increased monthly pensions for most retirees under the Programmed Withdrawal.

    ‘’Accordingly, the PFAs were directed to commence the enhancement of the pensions of all retirees under Programmed Withdrawal with effect from December 2017. The implementation of the pension enhancement is one of the significant milestones attained since the commencement of the CPS. It confirms that the CPS has workable internal mechanisms to respond to legitimate demands of retirees as they seek a reasonable retirement income. The Commission intends to sustain this periodic review exercise in line with relevant legal provisions.’’

  • Trustfund sensitises retirees on CPS

    Trustfund Pension Plc has advised would be retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to commence plans for their retirement from age 45.

    Regional Manager, Obiora Ozoekwem, gave the advise during the company’s Retiree Forum in Lagos, adding that preparing for retirement early will enable them receive their benefits as and when due.

    He highlighted issues that cause delay in pension payment as un-remitted contributions, especially embloc payments and excess contributions, among others.

    The essence of the forum, he said, was to keep them abreast of the developments on their pension as regulated by the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

    He said: “It is important to notify retirees of the modifications and accurate information so they can get feedback to improve on themselves. For us at Trustfund, our priority is good customer service.

    “This has enabled us grow our customers base and we will not lag behind in our responsibility to ensure that everyone of our customers are comfortable and happy. Gone are the days when you see pensioners queuing and dying on the road, our success is measured by pensioners’ happiness and comfort.

    “Also, technology has helped us enhance our performance to our respective clients. Our website has been upgraded and each customer is able to easily access it and lodge complaints or queries.”

    He said the factors that may cause delay could be from the clients or their employers, noting them as un-remitted contributions, especially embloc payments, excess contributions, among others.

    Ozoekwem furtther enlightened the retirees on the modes of payment of pension benefits under the CPS.

    According to him, there are two forms of withdrawals, the Programmed Withdrawal, which refers to withdrawals of funds on a regular basis, which may be monthly, quarterly etc.

    “As an Retirement Savings Account (RSA) holder upon attaining retirement age or age 50, whichever is later, you can request for the balance in your  RSA account to be paid out to you via programmed withdrawals,”he said.

    He went on: “As regards annuity, it is defined as a series of fixed payments paid at regular intervals over the specified period of the annuity. An RSA holder may upon retirement or attaining the age of 50 years (whichever is later), purchase an annuity from a life insurance company licensed by the National Insurance Commission with monthly or quarterly payments”.

     

  • ‘How to capture informal sector into CPS net’

    ‘How to capture informal sector into CPS net’

    Awareness and collaboration with key associations and unions are some of measures needed to bring the country’s estimated 38 million workers in the informal sector into the Contributory Pension System (CPS).

    Others are tax incentives and guarantee, seamless registration and service delivery,  Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited has said.

    Its Chief Executive, Eric Fajemisin,  who was represented by Executive Director, Investments, Oladele Sotubo, at an employers’ forum organised by the Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said  the steps will attract a sizeable chunk of the workers in the informal sector. He said it will also significantly boost the reported eight million people currently registered under the CPS.

    Accounting for about 60 per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing over 90 per cent of its workforce, he said the informal sector is largely insignificant in the CPS.

    He said it has become imperative to raise the level of awareness through informal sector associations and unions due to the prominent role they play in the sector. He added that endorsements from these unions will help to motivate members and build the requisite trust in the pension scheme.

    He said: “The on-boarding process for the informal sector customers’ needs to be flexible and devoid of any form of complexity. This objective can be achieved through the adoption of a unique identifier such as the Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the use of mobile technology for registration, collection and benefit payment.

    “On service delivery, the provision of satisfactory services to the informal sector through channels they are conversant with will ensure availability and accessibility while adopting the existing ecosystem they operate. Using mobile devices to access important information will add more transparency and trust to the scheme.

    “Via the Pension Reform Act 2014, the legal framework for micro pension was established, extending the coverage of CPS to self-employed persons, most of whom operate in the informal sector.”

    The PFA chief explained that the employers’ forum, titled: Partnering to Deliver  Excellent Pension Administration Services, was  to encourage practitioners in the industry.

    Zonal Head, Southsouth, National Pension Commission, KehindeAwotunde, urged other organisations to emulate holding awareness forum for stakeholders.

    He said deepening awareness about the pension scheme requires the collaboration of all as there are numerous benefits to ensure peace of mind in retirement.

    A similar appeal was made by the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Rivers State, Dame Josephine Chukuigwe on her part said the State is passionate about the wellbeing of its employees, hence the state enrolled in the pension scheme in 2015.

    She said the state welcomes collaborations that would support the state’s developmental aspirations, especially in executing critical projects and overall economic development.

  • ‘Labour’s ignorance on CPS worrisome’

    THE Managing Director of IEI-Anchor Pension Managers Ltd, Mr Glory Etaduovie, has advised the organised labour to get acquainted with the workings of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) instead of criticising the initiative from afar.

    The Pension Fund Administrator (PFA) who spoke with reporters in Lagos, said the ignorance and wrong perception of the scheme by the labour union was worrisome.

    He said the fact that there is a mutual distrust between labour and the government is not news, but queried how far should this distrust be allowed to interfere with other rational and national issues where both must collaborate.

    He lamented the skepticism and negative comments he listened to during a state public hearing to domicile the National Pension Commission (PenCom) law.

    He said this was his third experience in different states, noting that there is still a serious gap in understanding of the CPS.

    He said: “The passion and negative emotions of those fighting implementation of the CPS was palpable. Some information making the rounds is that the states that adopted the CPS are failing like Kaduna and Niger, which were clearly not true because we have facts of the schemes.

    “The mix-up is coming from the challenges of transition from the old scheme to the new one. This is especially so for those caught in between of both schemes. This will disappear with time. There is as well as challenges of remittances from the governments which is not uncommon with the defined benefits scheme. This has nothing to do with the CPS.

    “Some retirees were agitating for and preferring full payments of the pensions. This negates the pension’s idea of a steady and regular income for the period of reduced energy to engage in serious business adventure. Many retirees are not business-wise. Not even at the retirement age when it would be difficult to learn new tricks. True, some agitate to use the money to finish their unfinished accommodations. These are likely future innovations but that will be carefully handled. What next after the build with empty retire account?

    According to him, the fears of the recent past bad experiences with the defined benefits, the syndicated looting of the fund, the long and horrible annual verification of retirees and the long processing and wait for payment of benefits after long retirement were painful to both retirees and their children.

    “However, we cannot remain in the past. It is not news that the burden of pension payment on by the government is increasing and its power to continue paying is the dwindling world and local economies is becoming not only impossible to carry, but no longer in vogue,“ he said.

    He pointed out that there are complaints that the CPS has smaller terminal benefits and pension. “May be so, but the reality is that it is no longer sustainable. The government cannot continue on that basis. It would pile up pensions debts further compounding present positions,” he added.

    He, however, said the investment style of the scheme benefits all as it grows the scheme on compound interest basis, annually.

    “When I asked for statement recently, I saw that my/employers’ contributions had grown with about 40 per cent over time. For one thing, it is transparent and scientific. You can know your monthly position, enquire about and target or influence a minimum monthly allowance at retirement through Additional Voluntary Contribution. The monthly payments, once determined, is automated and steady as determined. Consequently, our friends in Labour should review their various positions and fears”, he advised.

  • CPS: Lagos develops workers’ skill on pension administration

    CPS: Lagos develops workers’ skill on pension administration

    Increasing capacity, efficiency, proper and transparent administration of pension desks officers across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Lagos State government was the focus of the state government last week.

    The state which has fully complied with the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 as repealed in PRA 2014 desires a more transparent administration of pension matters for civil servants.

    But the government admits that the lack of understanding amongst its heads of pension departments especially on the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) can hinder a smooth-sailing pension venture.

    It is worthy of note that many state governments across the country have been unable to implement the scheme while the few that managed to implement, encountered hitches that forced them to abandon it.

    Commissioner, Lagos State Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Oke, at the opening session of the training on CPS for civil servants organised by the Civil Service Pensions Office in conjunction with Messrs Nisrel Consulting Limited, said the training was the third initiative by the Civil Service Pensions Office to’ advance pensioners’ welfare.

    According to him, the initiative to train the pension desk officers spread across the 57 local council development areas (LDCAs) including the office of the local government pension, how to prepare civil servants for eventual retirement and understanding of the CPS.

    He said: “Understanding leads to informed preparation and informed preparation ensures smooth-sailing ventures. Of course, it is now public knowledge that the approach by Lagos State to pension management is far ahead of other similar efforts in the country so much so that the state has been applauded and severally recognised for its exceptional excellence in pension administration, including awards and recognition from the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

    “The officers are led through sessions on CPS under the Pension Reform Act of 2014 and the retirement payment options under the CPS, including Annuity and Programmed Withdrawal options. We expect them to appreciate the full provisions of the Act which has now been domesticated as a law of Lagos State. The domesticated law made defined pension contribution which is the CPS to be compulsory for all employees in the public sector and organisations with three or more employees in the private sector.

    The Commissioner said the pension officers are expected to be better prepared to take advantage of the CPS.

    He further stated that the other two initiatives of the government are I’m Alive Initiative and the Pensioners’ Welfare Initiative.

    He said the welfare of the people is the ultimate law and employers who deny it do so at the risk of ruining their organisations and enterprises, noting that the state government is one of the most notable among the many organisations living by this noble ideal.

    He restated the dedication of the government to the welfare of its workforce both during and after service.

    He said: “This is why the government, under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode did not hesitate in approving the holding of this training that is designed to equip civil servants with the knowledge required to fully appreciate and take advantage of the CPS that the state has been implementing to the admiration of all and sundry.

    “The Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions is charged with the responsibility of ensuring the adequate exposure of the civil service to knowledge on an on-going basis. We are committed to all matters relating to the proper and transparent administration of pension matters for civil servants in the state.

    He explained that the state in addition to the training initiative also has the I’m Alive Initiative and the Pensioners’ Welfare Initiative as part of programmes lined up for pensioners.

    “The I’m Alive is an initiative directed at enrolling the bio data and finger prints of pensioners under the old scheme of Pay As You Go in order to ascertain those who are alive and, therefore, entitled to receive payments under that scheme. This initiative demonstrates the commitment of the of the state to ensuring that resources are prudently managed for the benefit of all and sundry and, in particular, for the benefit of retired public servants who have served the state meritoriously.

    “The I’m Alive initiative is also an example of the commitment of the state to fully integrate technology into governance. The initiative has brought extensive improvement in service delivery to the Civil Service Pension Office (CSPO) such that, in most cases, pensioners need to bring only their Lagos State Resident Identity Cards to the verification centres in order to revalidate their records. This is made possible because of the connectivity and synergies of government activities among different agencies.

    “Also, the Biometric Verification Exercise that constitutes a core part of the I’m Alive Initiative has contributed greatly to effective pensions administration in the state and has helped to ensure the prompt payment of monthly pensions for pensioners under the old scheme. The essence of this is to ensure that every living pensioner is not left out of the scheme as non-participation will definitely jeopardise payment of monthly pensions to such pensioners under the old scheme,” he said.

    He added that the second initiative is the distribution of welfare items to pensioners.

    This initiative, he said, is informed by the commitment of Governor Ambode to continue to celebrate and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by public servants to the status of the state as a model state and as Nigeria’s centre of excellence.

    He said: “Additionally, the gesture aims to bring succour and make life worth more living for pensioners. Let me assure you that the state through the Civil Service Pensions Office will continue to ensure that public service retirees not only get what is due to them statutorily, but also continue to receive the support and assistance that will add value to their lives in retirement. Today’s training may be taken to be the third initiative by the Civil Service Pensions Office to’ advance pensioners’ welfare. This initiative relates to preparing civil servants for eventual retirement and understanding of the trail-blazing contributory pension scheme’’.

    An official of Teachers Administration and Pension Office (TEPO) Samson Idowu  said the training has enhanced and equipped them to face the challenges they encounter in the course of their duty.

    “It has also taught us what to expect from our colleagues who will be retiring from service in order for us to be able to accomplish the set goal of our employer which is Lagos State,’’ he noted.

    “I now have an able to have insight and what it takes to preform my job. I believe that I am better equipped to handle the transition of the Defined benefits to the CPS which has always been the problem that we encounter in the course of our duties?

    “We face some challenges from the part of retirees who will not present adequate papers that we will need to process their retirement benefit. They will also ask some inquisitive questions that some of us may not able to answer. They want to know what their lump sum would be, what their gratuity and pension would be and what annuity and programme withdrawal is all about.

    Another participant, Mrs Salako Oluwakemi  said she now understands how gratuity and pension works in the old pension scheme and how it works in the new scheme.

    She also said the new scheme is better than the old scheme in the sense that a retiree is assured of getting his money after retirement unlike the old scheme.

  • Fed Govt retirees urge Buhari to defend CPS, pay pensions

    Fed Govt retirees urge Buhari to defend CPS, pay pensions

    Federal Government retirees, acting under the aegis of Interim Association of Contributory Pension Scheme Pensioners, have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to defend the credibility of the new  scheme by making money available for payment of pension benefits.

    The aggrieved pensioners said they had formed an interim association as a result of the neglect pensioners by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), which will focused mainly on the old scheme, the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).

    In a statement made available to The Nation’s Pension Complaints and Solution section, the President of the association, Comrade M. A. Shittu, said the association is a group of federal pensioners who retired under the CPS 12 a year ago and are yet to receive any pension benefits.

    He lamented that their situation was so bad and pitiful because government officials have not told them why they deserve this untold neglect and hardship after serving their father land meritoriously for several years before retirement.

    He said his members were getting agitated over the delay and neglect.

    He said: “Indeed, at the beginning of the CPS, things were working fine as a result of the payment of retirees’ benefits as at when due.

    “But today, it appears that the cankerworm that plagued other lofty ideas and dreams in Nigeria in the past is gradually and steadily creeping into the fabric of the CPS.

    “This is why this letter does not only represent a save our souls (SOS) but a clarion call on President Buhari and all stakeholders to come forward to defend the credibility of the scheme.

    “This call is necessary and urgent because as at today, pensioners under the scheme who retired since November last year, exactly 12 months ago, are yet to be paid kobo either as gratuity or pension. We wonder if those who retired in 2015 are yet to collect their benefit what will happen to those who retired in 2016 and those retiring now?

    “The perceived neglect of pensioners under the present CPS is possible because we are not adequately covered or not covered at all by the regular pensioners unions which have focused its interests and attention on its members who are largely from the old scheme.

    “In Nigeria, experience has shown that once there is no union body to fight for you anything can happen to you and your benefits.”

    He said it was in the light of this  that his members are drawing the attention of the three unions they belonged to while in active service to come to their rescue before it is too late.

    “This situation is so bad and painful because nobody, including PenCom, PFAs, insurance companies or government officials has told us why we deserve this untold neglect and hardship after serving our father land meritoriously for several years before retirement. This letter of appeal is urgent and necessary now with the hope of rescuing us and the new scheme,” Shittu said.

    The group’s Secretary, Comrade S. A. Kolawole, recalled that the CPS was put in place by the Federal Government in response to the pay-as-you-go system, which had become a serious burden on the government due to its inability to pay pension and gratuity to pensioners promptly.

    He noted that some of the reasons put forward by the government to justify its introduction was to stop the growth of outstanding pension liabilities; ensure that every person who works in either public or private sector receives his or her retirement benefits on time.

    Others are to assist workers to save through the monthly contributions  to cater for their old age; remove the burden of pension payment from government; and set up credible body to efficiently regulate, supervise and administer the scheme in a way to overcome the usual administrative bottleneck.

    He urged the Federal Government  to keep to keep its promise and pay pensions promptly.

     

  • Bayelsa CPS buries mum

    The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Bayelsa State governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, at the weekend buried his 71-year-old mother, Mrs. Salome Oginasisi Iworiso-Markson.

    The remains of the late Mama Sisi, as she was fondly called, were interred at her hometown in Opume community of Ogbia Local Government Area.

    Governor Seriake Dickson led dignitaries, including his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah (retd.) and members of the State Executive Council (Exco) to the funeral.

    Activities for the funeral of Mama Sisi, who died on July 8, started last Thursday with a service of songs.

    Dickson, on behalf of the state and his administration, commiserated with Iworiso-Markson, saying he had become part of his family.

    The governor urged his CPS and members of other community, including King Amalate Turner, to seek succour in God.