Edo retirees protest against Contributory Pension Scheme, demand return to old system

Hundreds of retirees from the Edo State Civil Service have gathered at the Edo State House of Assembly, expressing their discontent with the ongoing enrolment in the Contributory Pension Scheme. They vehemently argue that the new system is regressive, rather than progressive. The protesters, led by Mr. Andrew Asemota, were employed during a time when Edo State was a part of the old Bendel State.

They are questioning why they are included in the Contributory Pension Scheme, arguing that they were not aware of the contract that subjected them to this system. The retirees are currently enduring significant hardships and are seeking intervention from the assembly. They claim that Governor Obaseki is responsible for pushing them into the Contributory Pension Scheme, despite them never signing any agreement that would force them into this new system mid-journey.

They are pleading with the assembly to intervene and move them back to the Defined Benefit Scheme, the old system they were employed under. Asemota, who worked as a protocol officer at the State House of Assembly, highlighted the stark contrast in pension amounts, where he receives N43,000 monthly, while many of the retirees receive between N7,000 and N10,000.

They underscored that many of them were at the end of their careers when Governor Obaseki enacted the controversial scheme. Asemota highlighted the inconsistency in the law, asserting that no law can be retroactive and that the scheme should not have taken effect from several years back. He appealed to the Speaker to intervene on their behalf, urging the Governor to exempt them from the scheme and return them to the Defined Benefit Scheme.

The Speaker of the House, Yekini Idaiye, acknowledged the retirees' peaceful protest and assured them that their petition would be addressed and their message relayed to the Governor for necessary action.