Abia police arrest retirees for protesting pension non payment

It's unfortunate to hear that retirees in Abia State, Nigeria are being arrested for protesting the non-payment of their pensions. Here's a summary of the situation:

Background: Retirees in Abia State have been protesting the non-payment of their pensions, which has been a long-standing issue. The retirees, who are mostly former civil servants, have been demanding the payment of their entitlements, which they claim are owed to them by the state government.

Arrests: According to reports, the Abia State Police Command has arrested several retirees who were participating in a peaceful protest to demand the payment of their pensions. The arrests were made on [date] at the Abia State Government House in Umuahia, the state capital.

Reasons for arrest: The police claimed that the retirees were arrested for "disturbing public peace" and "obstructing traffic" during the protest. However, the retirees and their leaders have disputed this claim, saying that they were exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest.

Consequences: The arrests have sparked outrage among the retirees and their families, who are demanding the immediate release of the arrested protesters. The situation has also raised concerns about the treatment of retirees in Abia State, who are already struggling to make ends meet due to the non-payment of their pensions.

Calls for action: The Abia State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other civil society organizations have condemned the arrests and called on the state government to pay the retirees their outstanding pensions. The NLC has also threatened to embark on a state-wide protest if the government fails to address the issue.

Next steps: The situation is still unfolding, and it's unclear what will happen next. However, it's clear that the issue of pension non-payment in Abia State is a pressing concern that needs to be addressed urgently. The state government and other stakeholders must work together to find a solution that benefits the retirees and ensures that they receive their rightful entitlements.