Pensioners’ protests in Osun

Pensioners in Osun state today took to the streets of Osogbo, the state capital to protest non-payment of their gratuities and alleged plan by the state government to divert Paris club fund given to states by the federal government.

The retirees under the aegis of forum of 2011/2012 retirees walked through some major streets in the city of Osogbo and later converged on the popular Olaiya junction for several hours leaving commuters plying the roads stranded.

The senior citizens through their chairman, Lesanmi Omoniyi alleged that the state Governor Rauf Aregbesola has received the second tranche of the Paris club refund released by the federal government and is planning to divert it.

The state Commissioner for Information and strategy, Lani Baderinwa appealed to the retirees to adopt another approach to make their demands.

He held that the protest embarked upon by the pensioners was politically motivated and advised the retirees against being used by the opposition party in the state.