TRAG!C: Unpaid pension arrears; Imo retiree embarks on 3-day hunger strike as pensioners turn beggars
chuks oti
Oct 26, 2020
A retiree, Dr (Mrs.) Nma Olebara has embarked on a three-day hunger strike to protest the unpaid eight-month pensions arrears by Senator Hope Uzodimma-led government of Imo State.
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Olebara said there was no genuine reason for her to continue having sumptuous meals when some of her colleagues were dying of starvation and inability to afford medication.
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In a statement made available to the media, Dr. Olebara disclosed that she chose to fast and starve after receiving calls from three pensioners begging for food last weekend.
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According to her, "the calls I received from three pensioners this weekend led to this hunger strike. One said, 'Doc, please help me, no matter how little, so that I can soak garri in water and drink, if I die without getting my money, my blood will be on the head of whoever that is holding my money'.
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"The second one said, 'I went to FMC and couldn't buy the drugs prescribed for me worth N28,000'.
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"The third said 'Nma, sorry to disturb you again, anyhow, please, I will send my grandchild, please some cups of rice so that I can eat something before taking my drugs'.
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The writer and inspirational speaker wondered how long these starving retirees will carry on with the hunger.
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She described the situation as unfortunate and height of insensitivity on the side of the government.
She concluded, "how can I be eating when my colleagues are hungry and dying. How can I be sleeping when they cannot sleep? I am on a three-day hunger strike. May God come to our rescue. Please pray for Imo state pensioners".
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— chuks oti