Melodrama In National Industrial Court, Makurdi As Large Numbers Of Nasarawa Pensioners Shouted We Did Not Withdraw From The Matter

Rabiu Omaku

There was a melodrama at the National Industrial Court, Makurdi, Benue State  as over 200 aggrieved retirees shouted at the top of their voice that the did not withdraw from the ongoing legal battle between them and the Nasarawa State government.

The disagreement started when the counsel to some claimants amongst the pensioners filed an application to withdraw from the ongoing court case.

The defense counsel, Joseph Agbo informed the court that 140 claimants has withdrawn from the case, this created serious side talks amongst the retirees shouting “Na lie, Is not true”.

Barrister Agbo seek for adjournment to enable him bring the 140 claimants to testify individually before the court.

Barrister Sunday Opale, Counsel to the complaints while addressing the court said that his clients were being paid on percentage pension and gratuity monthly since September 2016.

Bar.Opale suggested that names of the retirees who full the court to capacity be called one after the other to ascertain the actual number of claimants withdrawing from the matter.

He said nobody consulted him over the list, he further said the withdrawal by some retirees was because of hunger.

Also the counsel to the State government, Zack’s Felix sought  for adjournment to enable them make some amendment by sorting out names and make necessary changes.

The presiding Judge, Justice Salisu Danjida adjourned the matter to February 20, 2019, for the hearing of applications.