By Tony Okafor
As we reflect on the plight of retirees from the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), we are reminded of the poignant phrase: “The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”
Yet, many ABS retirees are still waiting to receive their retirement benefits after years of meritorious service.
Former Governor Willie Obiano’s decision to pay the gratuity of ABS retirees dating back over 25 years was commendable.
However, since the last payment in 2017, the gratuities have built up again, leaving many retirees in limbo.
We urge Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to consider paying the gratuities on compassionate grounds.
Given his commitment to workers’ welfare, evident in the approval of a N70,000 minimum wage for Anambra workers, we believe he will recognize the plight of ABS retirees.
Notably, Soludo has reasonably defrayed the retirement benefits of other workers he inherited; ABS workers should not be left out.
The delay in payment is not only a financial burden but also a psychological trauma.
We have seen the devastating impact, with retirees like Nnalue Onuorah from Nsugbe passing away without receiving their gratuity.
We call on Governor Soludo to take immediate action to address this anomaly.
By prioritizing the payment of ABS retirees’ gratuities, the Anambra State Government can demonstrate its commitment to workers’ welfare, past and present.
History beckons.
