… as pensioners endorse President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Gov Eno, others for re-election
Aniefiok Christopher
Akwa Ibom State has approved the payment of a 13th month pension bonus to pensioners in the state, as well as a N10,000 monthly welfare support from November 2026.
Governor Umo Eno announced this at Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo on Friday, 30 October 2026, during the presentation of Merit Award to, and his endorsement for re-election in 2027 by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.
Governor Eno noted that pensioners deserved to rest well after their impressive and meritorious service to the State.
The Governor, who was particularly impressed by their sense of gratitude, and quality organization, assured that the Government under his leadership would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens in the state.
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“This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organization. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,” he said.
He urged them to equally enroll in the State’s health insurance scheme, which he said was free for 60-year- old and above, to enable them enjoy quality healthcare and a good rest across the state.
The Governor noted that he had promised to clear the backlog of gratuities, stressing that N100 billion has so far been paid, from the accumulated N111 billion since 2012, assuring that before the end of his first term, the balance will be cleared.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making funds available to states, which according to him, has made it possible for him to keep to his promise of clearing the arrears of gratuity.
The Governor called on the pensioners to vote massively for President Tinubu in the 2027 elections, for continuous availability of funds for prompt payment of gratuity and pension, as well as other welfare packages.
He also called on them, especially those from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, to re-elect the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In his remarks, the National President, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, applauded the Governor for his exceptional compassion and care for pensioners in Akwa Ibom State.
Comrade Abumisi particularly commended the Governor for his impressive leadership, visionary development strides, urging pensioners in the state to accord the Governor a second term mandate by massively voting for him in 2027.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, had thanked the Governor for his compassionate and impactful leadership, describing his commitment to the welfare of the elderly and retired public servants as heartwarming and unprecedented.
Nkodo described the Governor as a true leader with the heart for humanity who deserves prayers and support from the people, while pledging pensioners’ firm support for his administration.
He thanked God for giving Akwa Ibom State a Governor who genuinely listens to the plight of his people by formulating, promoting, and implementing policies that transform the living condition of pensioners since he came on the saddle.
The NUP Chairman also noted that Gov. Eno’s policies have significantly improved their living standard and lifted them from abject poverty to a life of dignity.
Nkodo thanked the Governor for the release of over N100 billion for the payment of inherited gratuities dating back to 2012 and prayed that God will grant the wishes of pensioners by granting him a second term in 2027.
Following a motion moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr. Mrs. Uduak Udoaka respectively, the pensioners unanimously endorsed the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno, and other APC candidates.
The event witnessed a massive turn-out of pensioners who stood in the rain without flinching to register their love and gratitude for the Governor.
