The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Benue State Council, has distanced itself from a group known as “Concerned Pensioners” over a recent protest in Makurdi against the purchase of a nomination form for Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The union, led by its State Chairman, Comrade Michael Vembe, described the protest as illegal and insisted that the group was not part of the decision taken by pensioners to purchase the nomination form for the governor.
In a statement issued on Friday, Vembe said members of the group had earlier opposed the purchase of the nomination form and publicly expressed their objections through print and electronic media, making their recent claim of regret over the decision contradictory.
He further alleged that the group was sponsored and described it as an illegal body, calling on security agencies to take appropriate action against its members.
Vembe urged pensioners across the state to disregard the activities of the group and remain calm, assuring them that the union was in ongoing discussions with the Benue State Government over the payment of outstanding pension arrears.
According to him, the government has already initiated the process for settling the inherited arrears, with implementation expected to commence soon.
He also reaffirmed the union’s loyalty to Governor Hyacinth Alia and pledged full support for his re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.
Vembe maintained that the NUP remains committed to protecting the interests of pensioners in the state while continuing dialogue with the government on issues affecting retirees.