Govt debunks claims over PFAs

BENIN CITY – The Edo State Government has debunked claims by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State branch to the effect that the state government has appointed Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs).
Reacting to the claim, the Edo State Head of Service, Mr. Igbaekemen Jerry Obazele while addressing journalists in his office stated categorically that the state government has not appointed PFAs for its work force.
Mr. Jerry Obazele maintained that the law setting up the Pension Contributory Scheme allows the individual worker the right to choose his or her Pension Fund Administrator.
He said that following the directives of the State Governor, a committee comprising of over 40 members including the organized labour was set up by his office to work out the modality for implementing the scheme.
He stated further that he in agreement with the committee’s recommendation and invited officers of the Pension Contributory Commission, Abuja to Edo State to assess what the state has done so far.
According to the HOS, an interactive session with the General Manager PENCOM Abuja was held at the Festival Hall of the Governor’s office to which labour was again invited, but regretted that labour failed to attend the session.
Mr. Obazele pointed out that the enabling laws permit the state to deduct the contributions of workers to be paid to an account pending the perfection of all necessary processes.
He stated that those to be affected by the scheme are workers who have more than 5 years to serve in the service.
The HOS hinted that as the Head of Service, his duty is to protect the workers and appealed to workers in the Civil Service, Parastatals and Agencies to have faith in the government of Edo State, saying that Governor Oshiomhole as a foremost leader will not cheat on them.
Mr. Obazele encouraged the labour leaders in the state to feel free to come to him to iron out any perceived areas of disagreement, advising that they should not only be interested in the appointment of PFAs but also in the technicality that is involved.
The HOS said it is in the best interest of the workers that the scheme starts immediately as workers are retiring from the service every passing day.