Pensioners commend PTAD on verification of retirees in Bayelsa

Pensioners commend PTAD on verification of retirees in Bayelsa Some Pensioners participating in the ongoing Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), in Bayelsa have hailed the exercise in the state, describing it as “welcome development” to the system. A correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Yengoa, gathered that the verification scheduled for three days was for the federal civil service pensioners. 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, retired Chief Nursing Officer said that the conduct was so far smooth and called for the proper use of the finding. “It is good that this kind of programme is happening to rectify issues and challenges in the federal pension board; well, with what I have seen so far, I must say, that the exercise is good,” he said. Mr Japheth Taribio, a pensioner, who commended PTAD, said that the exercise was comparatively better than what were previously done. Taribio, who had also been captured, said that the programme was on the right track, adding that his face, finger print and documents were also documented. “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. “I heard that there is a medical team to cover the programme, I am happy about that because that shows that the government is prepared for the verification,” he said. Mrs Cynthia Fred-Boufini, the Deputy Director, Bayelsa State Emergency Medical Services, said that they were prepared to provide medical service cover for the programme, pointing out that there were medications in case the need arises. “Yes, we are ready, we have 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 needed such attention. “For the pensioners, we advise them not to stress themselves; those on medication should ensure that they maintain the intake of their drug for the betterment of their health,” Boufini said. On the proper use of finding after the verification, Mr Ada Ugochukwu, Team Leader, Bayelsa Verification for Federal Civil Service Pensioners, assured that the exercise was 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 are still calling on those who have not come out for the exercise to come with their all necessary documents, including original and photocopies of their relevant credentials for the exercise because we are going to be here for three days,” she said.