17th Fabuary 2013

COMMENDATION

We commend the principled stand of the Senate under the leadership of Senate President, David Mark, on the embattled Chairman of the moribund Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) accused of complicity in the illegal diversion of almost a trillion Naira pension funds meant for pensioners in the country.
By rightly insisting that Maina be made accountable for his deeds, Nigeria’s legislature (even at the risk of being blackmailed) has proven to a “useful organ” of public opinion as well as ‘the nation’s committee’ for handling public grievances. Activist constant legislative check on the Executive impunity has truly made Nigeria’s democratic process come of age.
NO HIDING PLACE FOR PENSION SCAMMERS
The insistence of 107 senators on police enforcement of the warrant of arrest on the renegade Assistant Director shows that there is no hiding place for scavengers of the nation IS pension assets. Woes unto all those who criminally inflict pains

and agony on retired working men and women by looting their legitimate claims.
President Goodluck Jonathan has the responsibility to safeguard the nation I s assets as well as pay the huge pension liabilities of millions of pensioners in the public sector. To this extent, the President must strengthen and support institutions that safeguard the interests of pensioners such as the Senate and its relevant committees and most importantly National Pension Commission, Pencom. The presidency must not provide sanctuary for some individuals accused of criminally diverting pension funds and undermining the pension market.
The critical issue is how many pensioners in the relevant public sector institutions have been paid their pensions and gratuities? Who is responsible for non-payments? Lastly the president must strengthen the new contributory pension scheme by protecting it against invaders looking for funds for other purposes rather than payment of retirees. Let no one touch or divert pension asset from its legally sanctioned objectives and whoever does must be brought to justice.

ISSA AREMU mni.
VICE PRESIDENT, NLC