PENSIONERS under the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association (VONPA) have expressed disappointment over failure by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to effect payment of their December and January entitlements.
  
The retirees in a chat with The Guardian wondered why they are still being owed, even after some of their colleagues have been paid. They also voiced concern that similar fate may befall their February benefits.
  
Speaking on behalf of the senior citizens, VONPA chairman, Comrade Sylvester Okafor, said 130 pensioners who have accounts with several banks have been denied payment, throwing the retirees and their dependents into anguish.
  
The banks are: Union Bank, United Bank for Africa, Guarantee Trust Bank, Access Bank, Wema Bank, Main Street Bank, Zenith Bank, Diamond Bank, Eco Bank, Sterling Bank, Afribank, and Enterprise Bank
  
“Many of these pensioners are dying slowly, especially those in need of routine medical attention for blood pressure, diabetes and other health conditions,” said Okafor, urging President Buhari to beam a searchlight into the activities of PTAD.
  
According to the VONPA chairman, the affected pensioners have since January 2016 complied with a PTAD directive to show bank statements as proof of non-payment, all to no avail.
  
Some of the pensioners who spoke to The Guardian noted that receipt of their entitlements had been hitch-free until PTAD came on board in 2013, asking whether the change promised by the Buhari-led government is designed to bring sorrow into their lives.