Pensioners in Ekiti were on Tuesday seen weeping and kneeling in supplication to God over the non-payment of their gratuities by the state government.

The pensioners attended an interdenominational prayer session at the secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Oke-Bareke in Ado-Ekiti.

Some of the pensioners who were seen crying, prayed that Governor Kayode Fayemi would be moved to pay the arrears of their gratuities and pensions.

Speaking with journalists after the prayers, the NUP Chairman, Ekiti state chapter, Joel Akinola, noted that many pensioners in Ekiti had died without getting their benefits while some are battling with various illnesses due to lack of funds.

According to him, Ekiti government is owing gratuities to the tune of N2 billion and outstanding pensions accumulating to millions of naira.

Mr Ajibola said the pensioners were hoping that the governor would pay a substantial amount of the debt before leaving office.

“Each time there is transition of power, it’s often difficult to agitate or confront the new governor because they will be quick to tell you that they are not the one owing us.

“We have laboured and served our nation and state meritoriously for 35 years, we deserve better than what we have been getting,” he lamented.

The NUP state chairman appealed to the state government to pay them to enable the few ones who are still alive make use of the money for their upkeep.

(NAN)