A civil society organisation, Kogi Good Governance Advancement Initiative (KGGAI), has called on Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Ododo, to urgently address the long-standing non-payment of gratuities owed to retirees in the state.
The call is contained in an open letter by the group, in which it described the situation as a humanitarian and moral crisis, noting that thousands of retired civil servants have been pushed into poverty, ill-health and despair due to prolonged neglect.
While acknowledging that Governor Ododo did not originate the gratuity liabilities, KGGAI said he has a historic opportunity to end what it described as 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 rarely heard,” the group stated in the statement signed by Abiodun Johnson, lamenting what it called government silence on the matter, which it said has created an impression of indifference to the plight of retirees.
According to the organisation, gratuity, which should serve as a safety net after years of service, has instead become an unfulfilled promise for many retired workers.
“For those who devoted their most productive years to the state, retirement ought to be a time of dignity and rest. Sadly, it has become an extended sentence of hopelessness,” the letter read.
KGGAI alleged that many retirees have exhausted their life savings, are unable to afford basic medical care, and have seen their family plans collapse while waiting endlessly for their entitlements. It further claimed that several retirees died without receiving their gratuities, leaving their families in financial distress.
Retired Judges’ Plight Raises Concern
The group expressed particular concern over the condition of retired judges in the state, describing their situation as outrageous and morally indefensible.
It noted that in many parts of the country, retired judicial officers receive their benefits promptly in recognition of the judiciary’s critical role in sustaining democracy. In contrast, it alleged that retired judges in Kogi State are subjected to financial hardship, despite ethical and legal constraints that prevent them from returning to legal practice or engaging in public protest.
“When judges, the custodians of justice, are abandoned, it sends a chilling message that no one is safe,” the group warned, adding that the dignified silence of retired jurists should not be mistaken for comfort or acceptance.
Other States Cited as Examples
To buttress its appeal, KGGAI cited recent efforts by several states to clear pension and gratuity arrears.
These include Bayelsa, Imo, Kwara, Yobe, Plateau and Edo States, which the group said have collectively paid or approved the release of tens of billions of naira to settle outstanding retirement benefits.
According to the group, these examples demonstrate that clearing gratuity arrears is achievable with the right political will and fiscal prioritisation.
In its concluding remarks, KGGAI urged Governor Ododo to move beyond rhetoric and demonstrate compassion through decisive action.
“The time for excuses is long past,” the group said, describing unpaid gratuities as a “monster” that has consumed lives, dignity and hope in Kogi State.
It stressed that retirees are not asking for charity but for justice, urging the governor to seize the moment to restore confidence in governance.
“Let posterity remember that under your watch, Kogi rose again—not through slogans, but through compassion in action,” the letter concluded.
