The fact remains, pension paid has been affected negatively by high rate of inflation in Nigeria. It require upward review in the context of present realities and difficulties. Government need to reduce the rate of inflation in the country to facilitate stability in price of goods and services. Many pensioners are affected with economic difficulties, suffering and ill-health because of meager nature of what is paid to them.

There is usually no reliable information when the families of pensioners who passed through transition who ask from their breadwinners colleagues of payments of entitlement of their breadwinners. It becomes difficult to provide reliable information. It is also pathetic to hear stories from states where salaries and entitlements of serving and retired personnel of public sector cannot be paid at the end the month. Some of these states are comprised of minority ethnic groups.

The leaders of these states are disappointment to their founding fathers and leaders who struggled towards independence for a state of their own because of the fear they had about domination of major ethnic groups over minority ethnic groups in Nigeria. They struggled for state of their own to be created so that their descendants yet unborn will benefit from improved quality of life in their states. The behaviour of the present generation of leaders in the state is a mockery of what their forebears fought for. Some of these categories of leaders are facing the long arm of the law on charges of corruption. Others are also facing natural justice. They need to desist from their wicked ways and govern righteously.

Minority and majority ethnic groups struggled for independence so that the present generations of Nigerians will have improved standard of living. Direct opposites of what was struggled for is what is being experienced in Nigeria. Many Nigerians are faced with economic challenges. The leadership has to wakeup from slumber and do the needful to relieve the difficulties experienced by the average Nigerian. Leaders at all level should provide qualitative service to impact positively on the life of the people.

Retired Vice Admiral Ibas made some difference in Rivers State. He is a gentleman and top-brass of the military. By his rank he is on reserve bench and can be called to duty anytime. This made him to resume duty in Rivers State. Those of them in active Military Service are not given such privilege. This is because of their constitutional role of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria as provided by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). Retired military personnel are qualified to hold public office on election or appointment as many retired military personnel have done. In Nigeria and elsewhere in the world including United State of America and Britain.

He bought to bear his knowledge and skills to manage war affected areas in international best practices by stabilising traumatised people such as children, women and people who cannot defend themselves. The type of leadership and acrimony among the political class and those of them engaged in partisan politics traumatised many people especially the retired personnel in the state. Many of them could not withstand the stress and pressure it caused in their lives, some of them passed away. The sole administrator brought succour and relief to many of them through his policies and actions.

He is a well-bred navy, navigates in stormy weather and troubled water. A sail to the Gulf of Guinea or Atlantic Ocean will provide an insight to the stuff that make up a navy. The white uniform of a navy should not deceive anyone to dare a navy. This is because a navy can be as firm, strict and disciplined like any of the armed forces “Old soldier never dies” they say. A soldier is always a soldier even on retirement.” These are some of the sterling qualities a well-bred and high-ranking military personnel of the navy.

His efforts as the sole administrator made possible for the approval of 2025 annual budget by the National Assembly which include entitlement of the retired personnel of its state to be paid. It will also enable the governor and other arms of government to govern the state smoothly. It is also expected that the governor will improve on what the sole administrator has done, and pay the entitlement of the retired personnel. Those who have pass through transition.

The government should pay their entitlements to appropriate dependents to enable them manage the affairs of the deceased families.

The Rivers State Governor should also improve on management of pension in the state public service on the innovation of the sole administrator. The retiring process and payment of entitlements be managed properly so that those proceeding on retirement do not need to be afraid of retirement because of the difficulties experienced by people retired from public service is not a death sentence.

It is a blessing and favour as well as pride to retire from the service honourably after meritorious service to the state. Retirement when properly managed it led to success and prosperity in life. On the whole many people stood for Rivers State during the period of state of emergency.

Indeed, in brotherhood we stand in all our travails even though our tongues, dialects, language and ethnic groups differ! President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for brokering peace and political stability in Rivers State. The National Assembly, Senate Committee on the State of Emergency, Rivers State Caucus on National Assembly for assessing the situation and implementation of policies. The tireless efforts of the Sole Administrator retired Vice Admiral Iboke – Ete Ibas to affect all sectors of his mandate are acknowledged.

The Acting secretary, of Rivers State Government Professor, Ibiba Lucky Worika, The Head of Service, Dr (Mrs) Inyingi Brown for their consistent effort to sustain the function of government and those who worked behind the scene are also acknowledged. The patience, resilience and understanding of the good people of Rivers State are appreciated. Remain blessed
Concluded.

Dr Jack is a media consultant and can be reached via: [email protected]