Pensioners Hopeful as FG’s Verification Exercise Ends  in Bayelsa 

By Emmanuel  Addeh in Yenagoa 

Emergency health workers were on red alert yesterday as the federal civil service verification exercise meant to screen pensioners ended in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. 

Some pensioners participating in the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), hailed the arrangement, describing it as  “welcome”, especially if it would ensure better welfare for retirees. 

Many pensioners in the country recently slumped and died at the venue of the verification following the unavailability of health services during emergencies. 

Mrs. Cynthia Fred-Boufini, the Deputy Director, Bayelsa State Emergency Medical Services, said that the emergency services were stationed to avoid unnecessary loss of lives during the three-day event. 

“We have had enough medical equipment that can take care of any emergencies or situations; we have government house clinic, where we can refer to any case that needs such attention. 

“For the pensioners, we advised them not to stress themselves; those on medication should ensure that they maintain the intake of their drugs during the duration of the exercise” Fred-Boufini said. 

Describing the exercise as “successful”, Mrs. Ada Ugochukwu, Team Leader, Bayelsa Verification Team for Federal Civil Service Pensioners, assured that the screening was held to address challenges in the pension payroll. 

According to Ugochukwu, apart from identifying ghost pensioners and putting a stop to fraudulent payments, it would facilitate the restoration of monthly pension payments to genuine pensioners. 

“We had called on those who had not come out for the exercise to come with their all necessary documents, including original and photocopies of their relevant credentials for the exercise which had been taking place for three days,” she said. 

The programme, according to PTAD officials who addressed the retirees was aimed at identifying genuine pensioners and those who had problems getting their monthly pensions. 

Mr. Jonathan Ikputu, a retired Chief Nursing Officer lauded the conduct of the officials and called for the proper use of the exercise to lessen the challenges faced by the retired workers. 

“It is good that this kind of programme is happening to rectify issues and challenges in the federal pension board. I must say that the exercise is good,” he said. 

Mr. Japheth Taribio, another pensioner, who commended PTAD, said that the exercise was comparatively better than what was previously done. 

“The exercise is so far smooth and orderly , but in all, there is need for improvement because taking care of the elderly people is not an easy task. 

“There has been a medical team to cover the programme, I am happy about that because that shows that the government was prepared for the verification,” he said.