Retired staff members of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have sent a save-our-souls (SOS) to the Federal Government of Nigeria to look into their plight regarding non-payment of their gratuities.
The retirees lamented that, between October 1, 2003, and September 30, 2005, 251 members of staff of all ranks retired from the University of Lagos. They want the government to intervene in ensuring the payment of their gratuities.
Their spokesman, Ogunshola, said, “The total amount calculated as gratuities is about N391 million. This is as prepared by the Bursary Department of the University of Lagos. It was delivered to the appropriate Ministry/Department in Abuja.
“Initially, the Federal Government of Nigeria said there wasn’t enough money to pay the gratuities. Later, the Federal Government of Nigeria said the money had been released and that Alhaji Maina had embezzled the money. Alhaji Maina was then the Assistant Director and Head of the Parastatal Pensions Department (PaPD).
“Alhaji Maina was granted a one-hour interview on Channels Television. Among other things that he talked about, Alhaji Maina confirmed that the money had been released and the money had been shared between the Presidency, the Senate, the House of Representatives and his department. Up till today, there has been no denial from the various named departments of government.
“Alhaji Maina was prosecuted for embezzlement. During the trial, Alhaji Maina was promoted to the post of substantive director of the department. This is contrary to the provisions of interdiction for staff facing trial in the General Orders (GO). At the end of the trial, Alhaji Maina was jailed for three years. By the societal behaviour and the calibre of people involved in the episode, Alhaji Maina served the sentence in the comfort of his mansion.
“I am 34 on the list. He served the University of Lagos meritoriously for 35 years (1969-2004).
“We have appealed and begged the Federal Government of Nigeria through various sources and personalities, to no avail.
“Recently, we witnessed retired police officers protesting non-payment of entitlements. Other sectors of the economy in the same situation are suffering in silence.
“We are hereby demanding from the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay us our entitlements. The government should address the internal debts and pay the retirees their entitlements. Recently, the government said it is servicing external debts with over 25% of the total budget. The internal debts had been left unattended with impunity because the affected people are old and without access to publicity.
“Those in authority today are implored to remember that the Holy Books prescribed that righteousness exalts a nation. They are asking us to pray for Nigeria. Even if we pray, God will record the prayers as curses in order of Prophet Balamu. If those of us who are still alive are forced to pray, those who have left the planet and whose survivors are not paid will definitely not pray in heaven.
“If the government refuses to pay the gratuities to the elders who had served the nation meritoriously, peace will continue to elude the nation. If the government fights physical uprising of all shades, the spiritual realms shall not be subdued.
“Even if the entitlements are to be received with thanks, they should be paid with a minimum of 300% increase. The President himself gave a 300% increase to a sector of the economy without asking, irrespective of the submissions of the sycophants and praise singers.”
