PAY RETIREES THEIR GRATUITIES – Gov. Ododo Urged
— A civil society group, Kogi Good Governance Advancement Initiative (KGGAI) has written an open letter to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, urging him to urgently address the long-standing non-payment of gratuities owed to retirees in the state. The open letter is published in The Nation newspaper of Monday, 5th January 2025 @ page25.
The letter, describes the situation as a “humanitarian and moral crisis,” arguing that the continued non-payment has plunged thousands of retirees into poverty, ill-health and despair.
According to the group, while Governor Ododo did not originate the gratuity liabilities, he has a historic opportunity to resolve what it termed “one of the most dehumanising chapters” in Kogi State’s public service history.
“This is not merely a letter; it is a cry from the depths of despair of those whose voices are seldom heard,” the group wrote, lamenting what it called the government’s “silence” on the issue, which it says has created the impression of indifference to the suffering of retirees.
- Advertisement -
The letter paints a grim picture of life after service for many retired civil servants, noting that gratuity—meant to be a cushion for retirement—has instead become an unfulfilled promise.
“For those who gave their most productive years to the state, retirement should be a period of dignity and rest,” the group said. “Instead, it has become an extended sentence of hopelessness.”
KGGAI alleged that many retirees have exhausted their savings, cannot afford medical care, and have watched plans for their families collapse while waiting endlessly through decades of service. The group further claimed that some retirees died without receiving their gratuities, leaving families behind in financial distress.
Plight of Retired Judges Raises Alarm
A major focus of the letter is the situation of retired judges in Kogi State, which the group described as “outrageous and morally objectionable.”
In most parts of Nigeria, the letter noted, retired judicial officers receive their benefits promptly, in recognition of the judiciary’s role as a pillar of democracy. In contrast, retired judges in Kogi are allegedly left in financial hardship despite legal and ethical restrictions that prevent them from returning to legal practice or engaging in public protests.
“When judges—the custodians of justice—are abandoned, it sends a chilling message that no one is safe,” the letter warned, adding that the dignified silence of retired jurists should not be mistaken for comfort or acceptance.
To strengthen its appeal, the group cited examples of other Nigerian states that have recently taken steps to clear pension and gratuity arrears. These include Bayelsa, Imo, Kwara, Yobe, Plateau and Edo states, which, according to the letter, have collectively paid or approved tens of billions of naira to settle outstanding retirement benefits. The group argued that these examples show that clearing gratuity arrears is achievable with political will and fiscal prioritisation.
In its conclusion, KGGAI urged Governor Ododo to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate compassion through concrete action.
“The time for excuses is long past,” the letter stated, describing unpaid gratuities as a “monster” that has consumed lives, dignity and hope in Kogi State.
The group appealed to the governor to seize the moment to restore confidence in governance, stressing that retirees are not asking for charity but for justice.
“Let posterity remember that under your watch, Kogi rose again—not through slogans, but through compassion in action,” the letter concluded.
As of the time of filing this report, the Kogi State Government had not issued an official response to the open letter.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 5TH 2026)
