Rita Odafe
Peter Obi Criticizes Pension Withholding
Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate from the Labour Party, has expressed his belief that it is cruel to deny pensions and gratuities to elderly individuals, particularly during their vulnerable years.
He highlighted how greed and an unending thirst for wealth among political leaders have turned life into a struggle for many, depriving them of the rewards they deserve for their hard work.
Obi shared his concerns following a distressing meeting with an elderly woman while visiting the Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences in Nsukka, Enugu State. This encounter left him troubled by the alarming lack of empathy displayed by those in power in Nigeria.
In a message on his X account, Obi recounted how the woman expressed her frustration over her unpaid pension after dedicating her working life to the country.
“My encounter with an elderly woman yesterday has deeply troubled me regarding the lack of sensitivity among our political leaders in Nigeria.
“During my visit to the college, I noticed an elderly woman trying to approach me, despite others attempting to silence her. I insisted on hearing her story.
“She was a retired civil servant who spent her active years serving the nation. She shared that her pension had not been disbursed for some time. Even more heartbreaking was her situation; she had been hospitalized for over a week, accumulating medical bills, and was left without any money to purchase food.
“I felt a mix of anger and compassion. Anger towards leaders, including myself, whose greed has created suffering for others by withholding their rightful earnings. And compassion for this elderly woman and many others whose painful situations might remain unheard.
“This is the reality of our nation—a society that seems to have forgotten humanity and empathy.
“I have previously stated, and I stand by it, that any government that denies pensions and benefits to senior citizens during their most vulnerable times is truly wicked. As a Governor, I took on the responsibility of clearing over N30 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities because I recognized the hardships faced by elderly citizens.
“I immediately offered her some support and pledged to address her situation with the hospital management.
“Nevertheless, my heart aches for the countless others in similar situations, suffering in silence as no one advocates for them. We need to improve this country so that Nigeria works for everyone and that each individual receives the recognition they deserve for their contributions.
“A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO”
