The Peoples Democratic Party PDP in Nasarawa State has alleged that some government officials are collecting the Voters Vin Number on Permanent Voter’s Card PVC of pensioners in a form designed as a condition for payment of their pension and gratuities.
The Party Public Relation Officer Malam Mohammed Ibrahim Hamza who stated this in a statement in lafia, said, the development was unfortunate, considering the fact that these set of people sacrificed their productive years to effectively serve their fatherland.
The statement explained, that the Payment of pension and gratuities of retired workers is not a privilege but a right noting that, to some government officials to initiate partisan politics for payment was unconstitutional and disheartening.
To this end the Peoples Democratic Party PDP in the State condemned the act in totality and urged INEC and all relevant security agencias to investigate the matter while the perpetrators and their sponsors should be arrested to serve as deterrent to others.
He also said, this was a clear manifestation and handwork of enemies of democracy in their attempt to frustrate, manipulate and to disrupt the electoral process as well as manipulate their way to power through dubious means.
While debunking the allegation, the State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners Alhaji Abdullahi Hudu Baba, said APC in the State had a platform for support groups of pensioners who are interested and free to enroll.
He Maintained that, Part of the process was to register by filling a form where you will be required to submit your PVC number saying no condition was attached because it’s voluntary for any interested pensioner.
” While all the numerous APC support groups including civil servants, Why is PDP so particular about pensioners enrollment for the support group?
“It is solely our initiative as interested Pensioners to join the support group No government agent or the state pensions bureau is involved in our political affairs.
Aliyu Muraki/Lafia.