Retirees of Ondo Polytechnic Cry Out Over ₦3bn Unpaid Benefits

Retirees of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic have raised fresh concerns over the non-payment of their gratuity and pension arrears, which they say have accumulated to over ₦3 billion, prompting them to resort to a public prayer gathering for divine intervention.

Speaking during the gathering, the Chairman of the Association of Retired Staff, Mr. Olufawoye Oluwole, lamented that all efforts to secure payment since 2007 through official and informal channels had failed.

“There is nowhere we have not been. We have gone to government officials, traditional rulers, churches, mosques, and met people that matter. At this point, we have resorted to prayer,” he said.

Oluwole said instead of resorting to protest or violence on the streets, religious leaders were deliberately invited to lead prayers in the belief that they serve as God’s representatives on earth and can intercede for the retirees.

“As elder statesmen, we could have go to the street with Placards but we chose not to embarrass the government or the school. We served diligently and laid a solid foundation for the growth of this institution. Why should we be treated this way?

However, we believe that through prayers, the hearts of those in authority will be touched. God will speak to them, and they will listen to wisdom and do what is right, what we know what to do,” he added.

Oluwole described gratuity as a legitimate right of workers, noting that employees who have served between 30 and 35 years deserve to receive their entitlements promptly upon retirement.

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“It is unfair and wicked that some retirees are not even placed on monthly pensions years after leaving service. Many of our members survive on less than ₦8,000 monthly, yet they still have families to cater for,” he said.

He disclosed that the outstanding gratuity, which was about ₦500 million at inception, has now risen to over ₦3 billion due to prolonged delays. He accused both the state government and the institution’s management of failing to adequately address the situation.

“The government claims it is paying subvention, which should cover salaries, pensions, and gratuities. But the funds released to the school management are not even enough to pay salaries. So, where does that leave us?” he queried.

The retirees also decried the denial of federal benefits, including the implementation of the new minimum wage and a ₦10,000 palliative approved for vulnerable citizens. They cried that many retirees earn between ₦5,000 and ₦10,000 monthly, yet have not benefited from such interventions.

They further revealed that arrears linked to a minimum wage adjustment approved as far back as 2009 remain unpaid.

Oluwole recounted previous efforts made to resolve the issue, including a letter delivered on January 21, 2020, to a traditional ruler seeking intervention, as well as an appeal for intervention funds submitted to the Ondo State Head of Service on June 8, 2020. He said those efforts yielded no tangible results.

The retirees are now appealing to Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to urgently intervene by releasing funds to clear the arrears or approve a structured instalmental payment plan.

Religious leaders present at the event also expressed concern over the situation.

Representing the Christian community, Prophet G.O. Folajimi described the development as “barbaric and uncalled for,” urging the government to fulfill its obligations.

“These men have served for over three decades, and now they are suffering. Many are dying. Government must do the needful,” he said.

Also, the Chief Imam of Anunla in Owo agitate the need for fairness and adherence to civil service rules.

“If someone has worked for 30 to 35 years, their rights should not be delayed like this. It is not fair. Justice must be established,” he said.

The retirees warned that having exhausted all administrative avenues, they would continue to seek divine intervention while hoping that authorities act swiftly to address their plight.