Retirees under the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA, have appealed to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to comply with the Supreme Court judgment, that authorized the payment of their pension and gratuity in the tune of N108-billion-naira.
The retirees, who left service in 1991, urged the Minister to save their soul, as they were currently living in abject poverty, untold hardship and rising death amongst their members, owing to the lack funds to manage their health condition.
Chairman of the group, Engr Gabriel Shotunde, who spoke to newsmen on Wednesday, said the Supreme Court judgment in a suit number SC/190/2003 dated May 11, 2007, had affirmed the decision of the Lagos State High Court in suit number LD/1827/92 that the plaintiff, who served the NPA up to 5years were entitled to gratuity of one year total emoluments.
“The Supreme Court judgment also held that the plaintiff, who served above 10 years are entitled to pension and redundancy benefits under the Pension Act 1990.
“Despite getting the landmark judgment from the Apex Court, the Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service and the Attorney-General, Malami, have failed to comply with the judgment and paid their benefits.
“Some cabinet members of the NPA, who see themselves above the law are also truncating the final decision of the Apex Court and have made it difficult for us to get our benefits, after serving meritoriously,” the Chairman said.
Shotunde further said the NPA’s consistent claim of compliance with the Supreme Court judgment is full of contradictions and a deceit.