By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Some pensioners in Osun State under the aegis of 2011/2012 Retired Public Servants Association in Osun State have disclosed that their group would resist attempt by former governor Rauf Aregebesola to return to power through back door.

The group disclosed this after holding a peaceful protest against alleged government maltreatment of its members over pension arrears.

The group’s Chairman, Mr Omoniyi Ilesanmi, while addressing bystanders along Osogbo-Gbongan road in Osogbo, said the people should reject Aregebesola’s move to come back through his allies in the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to allegedly wreak more havoc in the state.

His words, “This is a calling to Osun State people and all Stakeholders to wake up to stop and prevent Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola from coming back to Osun State through his Agents or Privies in the ADC in order to avoid him causing more havoc to the Economy of the State and to spell further doom for Workers and Retirees, and the good people of Osun State (as he did during his regime) who have been enioving at least a bettet atmosphere anc conditions of service in the Civil Service and Osun State at large.”

While commending Governor Ademola Adeleke for prioritising the welfare of active and passive workers, as well as the development of the State, the group stressed the need to stop the recurrence of the evil perpetrated against workers and pensioners during the Aregbesola-led administration in the state.

Also, the Contributory pensioners (2017-2025) unbonded have refuted claims by the state government that their entitlements have been cleared completely.

The group’s spokesperson, Awodele Olusola, said the state government has not settled their entitlement, adding that the Adeleke-led administration is still owing the class of 2017-2025 retirees their benefits.

He further stated that the government released N4.9billion around April/May and another N3.3billion in November 2024 but still only covered a small fraction of retirees awaiting payment.

According to him, “As we are now, BONDS- Beneficiaries, covering 2017-2025, are still waiting helplessly on the queue with no definite assurance from Osun State Government. Primary Schools in 2017-2025, Local Government Retirees on 2023- 2025, while Secondary School, Civil and Tertiary Contributory Pensioners are between 2020 – 2025, respectively.”

He recalled the promises made by Governor Adeleke during the last gubernatorial election that he would address the issue of the pending pensions, adding, “We thereby appeal to lovers of humanities, worldwide, to help us appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke, to please, prioritize our good Living.”
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