Recently, I wrote an article about the plight of Osun state pensioners, especially retired teachers at the primary schools and other levels published by Blueprint newspapers as “SOS of Osun pensioners”.
This came after the death of Sunday Amiola on December 20, 2020, without receiving his gratuity. Not only did Amiola die begging but his health failed to improve as there was no money to treat himself. His story and others who are suffering were reported also by the International Center for Investigative Reporting.
It is very gladdening that days after this article was published by Blueprint newspaper, the state government started paying some parts of the money owed to the pensioners, especially at the primary school level.
Although, in the first place, we should not be talking about non-payment of pensions, that is in a system that actually works, in a system filled with empathy and people oriented leadership, understanding and actual democracy but we are continually failed by our own leaders for many reasons that boil down to years of mismanagement, lack of an accountable process and wrong political values.
While the development on payment of some parts of pension being owed is commendable and would boost the morale of the retired workers, it is important to note that the government should see this as an opportunity to restate their commitment to pensioners’ welfare.
The government should not see their commitment as a momentary development to build temporary momentum. Truthfully, workers deserve the best and pensioners deserve to live well after their retirement. They do not deserve to die, they do not deserve to be hungry, they deserve the best from their families and the government must not deny them this right.
It is commendable that the government has started seeing reasons to ensure payment. Furthermore, the Oyetola administration in Osun must, as a matter of urgency, explore more ways of improving the welfare and state of living of pensioners. The government must show what the committee on pensions has achieved, there should be no need for outcry before the government acts.
The strength of any state is the ability it has to ensure security and proper welfare of its workforce and heroes.
Truthfully, what has been paid thus far cannot offset the debt owed to pensioners but we hope that the government will act swiftly to ensure that other outstanding payments are made.
The state cannot under the guise of development make pensioners suffer, they deserve better than what they are currently getting. However, if we condemn the government for nothing, we should charge them for better when they give something, hence the need to commend the government a bit.
Any one who has lent a voice to the cause of pensioners must continue to do so. This is the time for further stand for what is right. The truth, after all, does not make us enemies of the government but opens up a room for better leadership and representation.
The Blueprint newspapers and organisations like the International Center for Investigative Reporting must also be commended for standing steafast to the cause of giving the pensioners a voice in their struggle.
May the soul of Amiola Sunday again rest in perfect peace and may the government continue to see reasons to ensure that 35 years of service does not end in pain, in abject poverty and abysmal living.
Olanrewaju Oyedeji Samuel,
Lagos
[email protected]
