In a significant legal development, the Plateau State Government, along with the Chairmen of its 17 Local Government Areas, are set to appear in court on Monday, April 8th, 2024, to address allegations of pension mismanagement totaling 23 billion Naira. The lawsuit, filed by Messrs. Dung Mamman Zi and Zakka T. Plangzak on behalf of 986 retirees from the 17 LGAs, has garnered attention and anticipation as it heads to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in Jos for deliberation.
The lawsuit outlines a litany of grievances, including unpaid gratuities, pension arrears, and other outstanding pension amounts owed to the retirees. The total sum of 23 billion Naira represents the collective dues owed to these retirees, encompassing various financial obligations that have yet to be fulfilled by the state government.
**Background of the Dispute**
The genesis of the dispute traces back to the retirement of the 986 individuals between 2012 and the initiation of the lawsuit in 2023. Despite dedicated years of service, these retirees have faced significant delays and denials in receiving their rightful entitlements, including gratuities and pension arrears. Compounding the issue, the retirees were initially offered only half of their entitled pensions, based on a 55% salary agreement, rather than the full 100% granted to state civil servants.
**Unfulfilled Promises and Legal Hurdles**
The retirees’ plight is exacerbated by unfulfilled promises and legal hurdles that have impeded their quest for justice. Despite previous agreements promising full compensation upon improvement in government revenue, these assurances have not materialized, leaving the retirees in a state of financial uncertainty and distress.
**Efforts for Redress**
In their pursuit of justice, the retirees exhausted various avenues for resolution before resorting to legal action. They engaged with government officials, including the Head of Service, Mrs. Hulda Fwanchi, who established a committee to investigate their grievances. However, despite the committee’s recommendation to rectify the pension discrepancies, the retirees’ pleas fell on deaf ears, prompting them to seek recourse through the legal system.
**Legal Basis and Arguments**
The lawsuit is grounded in constitutional provisions and legal precedents that affirm the retirees’ entitlement to their pensions and gratuities. Citing sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and relevant state laws, the retirees’ legal team, led by senior advocate Edwin O. Okoro and Mr. Nanyak Dindam Dashe, contends that local government employees are entitled to the same benefits as their state-level counterparts.
**Path Forward**
As the case unfolds in court, anticipation mounts regarding the outcome and its implications for pensioners across the state. The retirees’ legal team remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice, advocating for a fair and equitable resolution that upholds the retirees’ rights and addresses the longstanding grievances that have plagued them for years. With the court date looming, all eyes are on the judiciary to deliver a verdict that brings closure and relief to the retirees and sets a precedent for accountability and transparency in pension administration.
