Local government pensioners in Ekiti State have cried out over what they called “high mortality rate” among their members over non-payment of their benefits.

Acting under the aegis of Association of Local Government Concerned Pensioners (ALGCP) they called on Governor Ayo Fayose to pay their nine months arrears of pension and backlog of gratuities dating back to 2012.

They said it had become a regular occurrence to hear about the death of colleagues who attended previous meetings of their monthly parleys.

The council retirees said lack of money to buy drugs to manage their health challenges and hunger were the reasons why they were dying at alarming rate.

One of the resolutions passed at the end of an emergency meeting held after the prayer session was the dissolution of the state executive of Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LGPAN) which had been in office for 20 years.

According to a communiqué signed by ALGCP Protem Chairman, Oguntuase Quadri and Protem Secretary, Fatai Ayilara, the council retirees threatened to opt out of LGPAN if no positive action was taken within 21 days.

They also decried what they called non accountability of LGPAN on monthly and yearly dues remittances and failure to represent the general interest of the pensioners.

It reads: “The Association (ALGCP) observes with sorrow the continued increase in the mortality rate among pensioners due to avoidable and treatable illnesses and ailments.

“The Association also laments the non-payment of pensioners’ gratuities since 2012 and pensions in the last nine months.

“The Association condemns in strong terms the perpetuity of the state executive members of LG Pensioners Association of Nigeria who have been in office for over 20 years.

“The Association also frowns at the ‘cult-like’ operations of the so-called executive members.

“Though the Association appreciates the governor’s magnanimity in appointing the LGPAN chairman, Chief Adekogba as Special Assistant, concerned pensioners are dismayed at his continued functioning in that office after the appointment.

“We therefore call on the respected chairman to honourably step down from office.”