Pay pensioners fully, 40 percent payment illegal – Court orders Okorocha

The National Industrial Court Owerri judicial division ​on Wednesday declared the 40 percent payment to Imo Pensioners by the Imo State government illegal and unconstitutional​.
The court issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the government and her agents from further slashing of pensions due the state pensioners.

The Presiding Judge, Olufunke Anuwe gave the order while delivering judgment in suit no. NICN/OW/144/2017 filed before her by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Imo state chapter against the Imo state governor and three others.
The court had on May 23, 2017 reserved judgment in the suit filed by Imo State branch of the NUP against the State government after counsel to both parties had filed and responded to relevant papers.
Justice Anuwe stated that the claimants had on February 24, 2017 filed a suit seeking declaration and order directing the Imo State government from respecting and honouring their rights to earn pensions​.

She said that the claimant equally sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Imo State Government from further slashing of pensions.
​DAILY POST had reported that the ​Imo State Council ​of the​ NUP, ​condemned the decision to reduce their pension by authorities.
They accused the government of Rochas Okorocha ​of​ “exhibiting lawlessness”​.

The retirees​ had in a communique,​ ​unanimously rejected​​​ the slash ​and had vowed to reverse the “illegality” in court.