Labour Party presidential hopeful and philanthropist, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the state of pensioners in Nigeria following a distressing encounter with an elderly woman.
During his official visit to Shanahan College of Nursing Sciences, Nsukka, Obi recounted how he was approached by a retired civil servant struggling to share her ordeal. While others attempted to dismiss her, he chose to listen.
According to Obi, the woman, who had dedicated her productive years to public service, revealed that her pension had not been paid for some time. She had also been hospitalized for over a week, unable to afford food or medical bills.
“I felt a surge of anger and pity,” Obi stated. “Anger at leaders like me, who, out of greed and desperation for material acquisition, have made life a living hell for others by denying them the fruits of their labor. And pity for the poor elderly woman, and many others like her whose painful stories may never be heard.”
He described the situation as a reflection of a nation that has “lost its sense of humanity and compassion.” Obi also criticized governments that withhold pensions, labeling them as “wicked.”
“As a governor, I inherited and paid off over N30 billion in pensions and gratuities accumulated over the years because I understood the pain elderly citizens were going through,” he emphasized.
Obi said he provided immediate support to the woman and pledged to follow up on her case with the hospital. However, he stressed that countless others face similar struggles in silence, calling for urgent reforms.
“We must fix this nation. Nigeria must work for all, and everyone must get their due rewards for their productive contributions,” he concluded.