PENSIONERS : DELAY IN THE PAYMENT WAS DUE TO FRAUD AND IRREGULARITIES IN THE PAYMENT SYSTEM – IMO GOVT.

Imo state government says delay in the payment of pensioners and salaries was due to fraud and irregularities discovered in the payment system The state Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma disclosed this in Owerri during a meeting with organized labour and state union of pensioners.

He stated that more than eighty percent verified teachers have been paid up to June while those with issues will receive their money once the records are reconciled. Senator Uzodinma frowned at the situation where people change their records after retirement to receive higher or double payment, thereby jeopardizing the resources of the state. Governor Uzodinma mentioned that the state has automated the system of paying salary and pension through BVN detailed

Earlier the chairman Nigeria Labour Congress Imo state branch, Comrade Austine Chilakpu assured to assist the government fish out double paid workers and urged the government to look into reductions in payment of workers salary. Reacting, the chairman Nigeria Union of Pensioners Imo state chapter Dr. Josiah Ugochukwu said the recent protest embarked by some members was not in line with the union’s decision. He urged the Governor to quickly  reconcile records of pensioners to enable them receive their money and cushion the effect of hardship on some members.

The meeting which lasted for more than two hours were attended by the Deputy Governor Professor Placid Njoku, the Secretary to the Government Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Head of Service and other members of organized labours and exeutives of state pensioners

CHUKWUKA AGUKWE