In a significant development, the planned protest by members of the Association of Contributory Retirees (ACR) – local government and primary school – scheduled for Thursday, October 5, has been deferred. This decision was announced by Chief Mrs Ejieh Helen Chionye, the Chairperson of ACR (Primary), in a statement released yesterday.
The decision to postpone the protest comes following a crucial meeting held between ACR leadership, representatives of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), labour leaders, and other stakeholders. The meeting was convened at the behest of Dr. Kingsley Emu, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and took place at the SSG’s Office in Asaba on Tuesday, October 3.
According to the statement, during the meeting, ALGON and the State government assured ACR members of fairness in the computation of their gratuities. Concerns about a potential drastic reduction in retirees’ take-home pay due to the implementation of a new template introduced by ALGON were also addressed and allayed.
ACR expressed satisfaction with the sincerity demonstrated by the government through the State’s Auditor General and expressed respect for the State Governor, His Excellency, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.
Furthermore, ACR received solid assurances from ALGON Chairman, Hon Victor Ebonka, that gratuity payments would commence on Friday, October 6, 2023. In light of these positive developments and commitments, ACR decided to put the planned protest on hold for the next seven (7) days, during which tangible evidence of payment is expected.
In their statement, ACR expressed gratitude to the public for their sympathy and moral support throughout their struggle. They also extended their condolences to the families of their colleagues who passed away during the course of the struggle and prayed for good health for the living retirees to enjoy the fruits of their labor
