Udensi Meets With Indebted Abia Pensioners, Says Effort To Assist Not To Condemn Government (Photos)

In fulfillment of his promise to bring succour to Abia pensioners who are allegedly owed several months of pension and gratuity, a prominent indigene of the state and Interpol Systems Consultant, Sir Chikwe Udensi has met with the pensioners.

ABN TV gathered that the meeting is aimed at working out modalities to bring financial support to the reportedly suffering pensioners.

Udensi, a chieftain of APGA had in a phone-in radio programme monitored by ABN TV declared readiness to assist in alleviating the suffering of pensioners in Abia State.

The first meeting which took place as Sir Udensi’s political office in Umuahia on Thursday, October 28, had some pensioners in attendance.

Sir Udensi noted that his decision to contribute to the welfare of the pensioners is not aimed at criticizing the government but part of his contribution is improving lives in Abia.

“We are not coming to criticize them, we are not coming to condemn them we are coming to contribute with the effort we are making. We have come to contribute to the effort of government; where there are lapses, we contribute as citizens of Abia state that is the essence of what we have come to do not to ridicule them, not to condemn the effort they have made so far but to complement their efforts.”

He expressed regret that relevant authorities did not yield to request to release the comprehensive data of the pensioners in the state which would have ruled out a physical meeting with the senior citizens.

The philanthropist therefore appealed to the state government to partner with his initiative to alleviate the pains of pensioners, adding that the financial support won’t be a one time venture, but will continue.

He announced that there will be another arrangement where the comprehensive list of the pensioners will be made available.

He expressed hope that the pensioners’ delegates will provide a proper record as he cannot render any help without a record.

Udensi charged the coordinator of the scheme, Chief Chinedu Obilor (Iyierioba) popularly known as Fayose to work with the government and the leadership of the pensioners to get the comprehensive list.

Reacting on behalf of the 15 pensioners present, Mr. Obinna Njikonye, expressed gratitude to Udensi for remembering them and prayed God to reward him immensely.

He stated that it is a thing of joy to be alive in the face of non payment of pensions as some of their colleagues were either dead, homeless bed-ridden.