The Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has officially disassociated itself from a demonstration staged by a faction calling itself ‘Concerned Pensioners’ on Wednesday in Makurdi. The union declared that the protesters are not legitimate members but hired individuals seeking to mislead the public.
In a statement released on Thursday, the state NUP Chairman, Comrade Michael Vembe, labeled the group as impostors and urged Governor Hyacinth Alia and the general public to ignore their activities and demands. Vembe emphasized that the union had no involvement in procuring a nomination form for the governor, contrary to claims made by the protesters.
He noted that the so-called pensioners’ group had previously objected to the purchase of the nomination form and had aired their opposition through various media. This makes their current expression of regret over an action they never endorsed both confusing and baseless.
Vembe condemned the group as unlawful and called on security agencies to take appropriate action against them. He reassured pensioners in the state to remain calm, stressing that the NUP is engaged in negotiations with the state government regarding unpaid inherited arrears. He stated that the government has already initiated payment processes, which will soon be implemented.
Furthermore, Comrade Vembe pledged the union’s unwavering loyalty and full support for Governor Alia’s re-election bid in the 2027 general elections.