Gov Uzodinma Releases Names Of Pension Fraudsters In Imo

Governor Hope Uzodinma weekend announced eight persons allegedly involved in fraudulent activities in the state pension system. According to the governor, the eight persons were receiving N330m annually as pension.

This revelation was made after his meeting with the leaderships of the state chapters of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, led by Josiah Ugochukwu; Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led by Comrade Austin Chilakpu, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, at the Government House in Owerri.

Those indicted are Ajokubi H. A, (N65, 685, 491. 00), Njoku Damian (N 5,042,439.58), Obasi Canice (N3, 460, 366.64), Anyanwu F. N (N3, 150, 336. 00), Emenalo Theresa (N 3,058, 592.00), John Sunday (N 2, 320624. 00), Ajaegbo E. O (N2, 298,910.34), and Ekedere Eunice, (N 32,490, 016. 00).

He added that, “The system also discovered that over 1,000 pensioners who retired in 1976 were still receiving pension.

Pensioners in the verified database have all been paid up to date, except those who are still having issues.

The highlight of the fraud is that eight persons were earning N330m annually as pensions, with one of them late. A retired judge is earning N300, 000 monthly above what was due to him as pension, and a late secretary to the state government is still earning pension many years after his death.”

He said copious irregularities marred the pension system in the state, which prompted his administration to investigate the system, and wondered how over 1,000 pensioners who retired in 1976 were still receiving pension, almost at the age of 104.

In his words, “Overinflated pensions were paid to numerous pensioners which on the investigation were not consistent with their last pay-slips or basic salaries as stipulated by the Pensions act. The decision to automate the payment process was in line with the new World Bank order for all states, so the delay was due to the fact that there was no handover from the former administration to us.”