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Pensioners Threaten Nationwide Naked Protest Over Unpaid Arrears
The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has threatened to hold a nationwide protest on November 24 if the Federal Government fails to pay the outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances owed to pensioners.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, November 11, in Lagos, the Coalition’s National Chairman, Mukaila Ogunbote, revealed that the Federal Government had failed to fulfil its promise of paying the ₦32,000 pension increment arrears and the ₦25,000 palliative allowance, which had been approved since 2023.
Ogunbote, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, said the protest would take place unless the payments were made by November 23.
We were told that our arrears would be paid within two weeks of the approval, yet nothing has been done,” Ogunbote stated.
“If by November 23, we do not receive payment, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” he warned.
Ogunbote also disclosed that pensioners in the diaspora had expressed their support and would join the protest from their respective countries, making the protest not just a nationwide event, but a global one.
He appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the funds.
“Many pensioners have died and many more are dying due to hardship, as they are unable to feed well or access proper medical treatment when ill,” Ogunbote lamented.
The coalition’s chairman further criticized the government for paying workers their ₦35,000 palliative allowance, while pensioners, who he argued are more vulnerable, have been left out.
Workers received the ₦35,000 palliative in a month, but up till now, pensioners have not been paid the ₦25,000 approved for us. We are more vulnerable than anyone else,” he said.
Ogunbote also expressed disappointment at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for not supporting the pensioners’ demand more actively. He called for unity among workers to address the perceived injustices perpetrated by the government, which he accused of prioritizing other expenditures while neglecting pensioners.
The pensioners’ representatives, including Ogunbote, also appealed to the government to release the owed funds before December to allow pensioners to prepare for the upcoming Christmas celebrations with dignity.
The President of the Civil Service Pensioners, Francis Oluwo, lamented that the individuals surrounding President Tinubu were not following through on the instructions issued to them.
Oluwo also called on the Federal Government to act swiftly, noting that many retirees are living in poor health conditions and struggling to afford basic needs like food and medication.
Bridget Obieto, the Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, echoed these sentiments and urged the NLC to use its influence to help address the pensioners’ demands.
We have served this country faithfully for over 35 years. Now that we are old, the government must not abandon us,” she said.
Obieto appealed to President Bola Tinubu and First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure the prompt payment of arrears before December to enable pensioners to celebrate the festive season with dignity.
The Chairman Emeritus of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NIPOST Chapter, Elijah Akindutire, also called for the payment of the arrears.
Akindutire urged pensioners to turn out in large numbers for the protest on November 24 to show the government their resolve.
“We are determined to make our voices heard,” Akindutire said.
The pensioners remain hopeful that the Federal Government will act before the deadline, but their resolve to protest has made their intentions clear.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, as well as a one-off welfare support of N10,000 in November 2026.
Speaking at the Ibom Hall grounds in Uyo on Friday, during the presentation of a merit award by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and an endorsement of his second-term bid, Eno said pensioners deserved to rest well after their meritorious service to the state.
Eno said he was particularly impressed by the pensioners’ sense of gratitude and assured them that the state government, under his leadership, would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
He said, “This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare.”
He urged them to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for people aged 65 and above, to enable them to enjoy quality healthcare.
Eno recalled that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, adding that N100bn had so far been paid from the accumulated N111bn owed since 2012. He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for making funds available to states, saying this had enabled him to fulfil his promise to clear the gratuity arrears.
Eno called on the pensioners to vote massively for Tinubu in the 2027 elections, saying this would ensure the continued availability of funds for the prompt payment of gratuities and pensions, as well as other welfare packages.
He also urged pensioners from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District to vote for the re-election of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Responding, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Eno for what he described as his compassion and care for pensioners in the state.
Abumisi also praised Eno’s leadership and development efforts and urged pensioners across the state to support his second-term bid in 2027.
Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, thanked Eno for his leadership, saying his commitment to the welfare of elderly people and retired public servants was heartwarming.
“Governor Umo Eno is a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people. I urge pensioners to support his administration,” he said.
The National Assembly has confirmed that 28 State Houses of Assembly have approved the proposed establishment of state police in Nigeria, paving the way for the constitutional amendment bill to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent.
According to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, the 28 approvals exceed the two-thirds majority required under Section 9 of the 1999 Constitution, which translates to 24 states. The National Assembly can therefore proceed with the next stage of the process towards presidential assent.
The bill was forwarded to the 36 state assemblies on September 16, 2026, for consideration, with October 15 initially set as the deadline for them to communicate their decisions. Ogunlana, however, said his office would continue to receive and verify reports from the assemblies ahead of the bill’s transmission to Tinubu.
The 28 states that have approved the proposed establishment of state police are listed below:
Adamawa
Delta
Edo
Kwara
Nasarawa
Ogun
Osun
Oyo
Plateau
Rivers
Taraba
Zamfara
Enugu
Anambra
Imo
Ekiti
Kebbi
Akwa Ibom
Bayelsa
Benue
Cross River
Abia
Yobe
Kaduna
Lagos
Kano
Sokoto
Ebonyi
A new political prediction has emerged ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a state-by-state electoral map showing the states former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are projected to win.
The prediction, published by Statecraft, outlines the expected performance of the three major political figures across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to the prediction, Tinubu is projected to win 15 states and the FCT, Atiku is expected to secure nine states, while Obi is tipped to emerge victorious in 12 states.
The map, which uses orange, blue and white colours to distinguish the three presidential contenders, provides a breakdown of the states each candidate is projected to win.
States Tinubu Is Projected to Win
According to the prediction, Tinubu is expected to win.
The FCT is also included in Tinubu’s projected victories.
States Atiku Abubakar Is Projected to Win
The former vice president is projected to win nine states.
States Peter Obi Is Projected to Win
Meanwhile, Obi is projected to secure 12 states.
The breakdown suggests a competitive presidential contest, with the three political figures projected to command support across different regions of the country.
Interestingly, the prediction places Tinubu ahead with 15 states and the FCT, followed by Obi with 12 states and Atiku with nine states.
However, it is important to note that the map represents Statecraft’s political prediction and not an official election result, an opinion poll or a declaration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The actual outcome of the 2027 presidential election will be determined by voters when Nigerians head to the polls.
The prediction has also raised questions about the possible political realignments, regional voting patterns and factors that could shape the contest in 2027.
JUST IN: Nigerian Gov Approves 13th-Month Bonus
Full List: 28 States That Approved State Police
