In apparent bid to avoid protests which have been rocking the administration of Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Imo State Government has commenced payment to pensioners in the state.
Pensioners who are owed outstanding allowances had made it a culture of taking to the streets every week to press home for their payments.
In one of those outings, the pensioners were allegedly flogged by hired thugs whose identities are yet to be ascertained while in a previous case they threatened to occupy Government House, Owerri, if not paid.
Trumpeta has learnt that payment commenced during the week following assurances from the finance department of the state. It was further gathered that after the state government has suffered several embarrassments arising from the incessant protests, arrangements for payment commenced this week.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioner, Imo State chapter, in a phone chat confirmed the development and informed Trumpeta that payment has commenced.
This newspaper was further informed that a crucial meeting was held between the labour union leaders representing the workers and pensioners on one part and that of government officials on the other side where agents of the state gave notices for the coming payment.
Further information has it that pressure was on the government to start the payment to avoid further wrath from the pensioners which involves protest.
