C'River NUP Chair dispels Rumour of ₦10bn Gratuity Approval For Pensioners
Hannah ARIKPO
The Chairman Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) Cross River Chapter, Comrade Effiong Ita Umo has dispelled rumours of ten billion naira approved for the second badge payment of gratuity to pensioners who retired between 2016 - 2024 in the state.
The Cross River state Governor was alleged to have announced approval for the said amount meant to settle gratuities of retirees who disengaged from active service between 2016 - 2024 in an official statement during the Pull-out ceremony of the former Head of Service in September 2025.
Umo who was speaking to Newsmen in Calabar during the "2025 World Pensioners Day" described the information as wrong, malicious, false, fake and incorrect emanating from a faction of aggrieved members of the Union who have vowed to tarnish the good image of the state government.
"I am telling you as the State Chairman of NUP, that information is not correct, the Office of the Accountant - General had denied several times, citing no document of such has been approved.
"This people are criminals, dissidents, miscreants with malicious intention to cause disunity and bad blood within the NUP. They are planning a protest, I bet you, they will be arrested," Umo emphasised.
He explained that the state government had approved and released a total of ten billion naira early last year as first batch of gratuity which was disbursed to Pensioners who retired between 2009-2015 adding that government is already sourcing for funds for the second batch for payment of gratuity in the state.
Umo assured, the present administration is committed to the welfare and payment of gratuity to all retirees in Cross River advising members to be loyal to the government and also remain committed to the ideas of the Union.
"I advise my members to remain committed to the NUP. Our Governor is working very hard to ensure that every retiree in the state receives his or her gratuity within the time frame." He assured.
