Edo retirees: We can’t survive on N7,000, N10,000 monthly pension

Retirees from the Edo State Civil Service have taken to the streets, demanding that the state government terminate their participation in the state’s Contributory Pension Scheme. Many of these retirees are struggling to make ends meet, receiving as little as N7,000 and N10,000 monthly. At a protest at the State House of Assembly, the group’s Chairman, Andrew Asemota, highlighted that some pensioners have been receiving these minimal amounts after dedicating 36 years of service to the state.

Asemota emphasized that the protest aims to convey their grievances and seek assistance from the House of Assembly and its Speaker, Hon. Yekini Idaiye, to remove them from the contributory pension scheme. He recounted that they had been part of the Edo State Civil Service during the old Bendel State era, with some having contributed 28 and 29 years of service.

Asemota appealed to Governor Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a receptive leader who could rectify past injustices. The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly pledged to convey the protesters' concerns to the governor, urging them to maintain a peaceful and lawful approach while articulating their grievances.