On Monday, three members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Osun State chapter, narrowly escaped death when they suddenly collapsed during the ongoing staff audit exercise of the state workforce.
The incident, which took place at the premises of the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, the venue of the ongoing screening exercise, caused confusion before the collapsed pensioners were later rescued by their fellow colleagues.
Additionally, other members who could no longer withstand the strenuous exercise sat down in available places to prevent endless standing.
In an interview with one of the pensioners, who identified himself as Samuel Aderoja, he condemned the exercise, describing it as excessively strenuous and taxing on their strength.
According to him, “Though the exercise sanctioned by the state government is desirable, the process would have been made easier if it were to be conducted on a local government or zonal basis.”
However, the chairman of the pensioners, Alhaji Ganiyu Salawu, said, “We are in total support of the staff audit, but the government should consider the aged and helpless retirees by decentralising it.”
The chairman further stated, “Osun pensioners are in support of the audit verification exercise by this government; it is the right way to go.
But, sir, permit me to plead on behalf of our members, especially the vulnerable ones—the bedridden ones, the elderly, and the helpless retirees who form the core membership of this union.”
“NUP Osun State has nothing to hide. We have submitted our statistics and relevant data to the supervising ministry, local government.”
Another pensioner, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “Many of us could not withstand the prolonged standing, and we should be taken into consideration.
In fact, despite the fact that we came early for the exercise, it was conducted belatedly, which was the reason for the collapses.”
“In fact, apart from those that slumped, many of us were also seen lying down, sleeping, or sitting on the bare floor to avoid an eventuality.”
Meanwhile, those who collapsed have been taken to a hospital for medical attention.
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