Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has initiated moves to resolve the lingering pension and gratuity crisis involving retired staff of Ebonyi State University (EBSU). His administration has reached an understanding with the university management to address the plight of the retirees. The governor acknowledged the controversy surrounding unpaid entitlements and emphasized the need to find a solution.
The pension crisis at EBSU has been attributed to the unclear responsibility for paying pensions and gratuities to workers employed by the autonomous university. Governor Nwifuru noted that the state government was not the direct employer of the affected university workers, making it challenging to determine who bears the responsibility for payment. He stated that the law is clear: "You cannot fire who you did not hire."
Retired staff of EBSU, led by Mr. Emeka Ugwoke, have been complaining about years of unpaid pensions and gratuities, which have subjected many to severe hardship. Some retirees have died, while others are bedridden or struggling to meet basic household needs. Ugwoke appealed for government intervention, stating, "I cannot die in silence. That is why I am crying out."
Governor Nwifuru explained that universities operate under different administrative and financial structures, and the responsibility for workers' retirement benefits depends on the institution's relationship with the government. He stated that if universities are run by the government, it is the government's responsibility to pay staff retirement benefits. However, if they are not government-run, then the government cannot be held responsible.
Despite the complexities, Governor Nwifuru's administration is now focused on finding a practical solution for the affected pensioners. The governor had previously met with Mr. Ugwoke in September, explaining that EBSU was autonomous and its finances were outside the direct control of the state government. The emerging understanding between the government and university management has raised hopes for relief among the retirees.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the state, donated N7 million to 216 retirees accredited by the association. Odii described the retirees' situation as "highly shameful" and called for urgent action. He noted that the actual number of affected pensioners could be 400 or more, with some having died or hospitalized due to difficult circumstances.
As the state government and EBSU management work towards resolving the matter, the affected retirees are looking to the emerging understanding for relief from years of uncertainty over their pensions and gratuities. The intervention by Governor Nwifuru's administration and the financial support from Dr. Odii have brought hope to the retirees, who have been struggling to cope with the harsh realities of unpaid entitlements.
Key points
- Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru has initiated moves to resolve the pension and gratuity crisis affecting retired Ebonyi State University staff.
- The crisis has been attributed to unclear responsibility for paying pensions and gratuities to workers employed by the autonomous university.
- The governor's administration has reached an understanding with the university management to address the plight of the retirees.
