The Osun state pensioners, under the forum of 2011-2012 retirees, staged a peaceful protest to demand the implementation of the 18,000 minimum wage, since Aregbesola’s administration.
Some of the elderly pensioners, who appeared weak and were on medication, were unable to fully participate in the protest.
The protesters were denied the permission to demonstrate at the gate of the state secretariat in Abere, Osogbo.
They later moved to the streets of Osogbo to continue their peaceful protest.
Speaking, Comrade Yemi Lawal, one of the leaders of the group, expressed disappointment at the state government’s attitude towards the welfare of its citizens, particularly those who retired in 2012.
He called on the Attorney General of the Federation to intervene and caution the state government on the contempt of court and respect the judgment.
Also speaking, another leader of the group, Comrade Sola Olojede urged the state government not to allow some individuals in the Nigeria Union of Pensioners to mislead them, as they had set out to disrupt the peaceful protest.
Shared his ordeal, a pensioner from Ejigbo local government, John Ojo , said his life was being threatened by health issues that required expensive treatment.
While commending the state government’s efforts on infrastructure, he insisted that their assignment was incomplete until the government addressed their issues.
The pensioners’ primary demand was the implementation of the 2009 minimum wage of 18,000, which they want the government to use for calculate their pensions and gratuities.
