Bleak Christmas for Imo State Pensioners as December Stipends Delayed Amid New Verification Exercise

Imo State pensioners face another Christmas without timely financial relief as their December stipends are set to be paid only in early January 2026, continuing a long-standing pattern of delayed payments.

Most pensioners currently receive their stipends for the previous month, meaning November payments are only reaching them in mid-December. Many have already spent these funds on essential expenses, particularly medical drugs bought on credit, leaving little for holiday celebrations.

Several pensioners, speaking anonymously, expressed despair at the prospect of affording Christmas necessities, highlighting the financial strain caused by delayed payments.

Investigations reveal that while the first three batches of gratuities have been paid, subsequent batches—including the fourth—remain unsettled. Many pensioners have passed away without receiving their full pension and gratuity entitlements, while those on medical treatment struggle to cover basic drug costs.

A new verification exercise, dubbed by some pensioners as the “am alive verification,” is reportedly imminent. Officials advised pensioners to engage with their local chapter chairmen to track the use of deducted dues and ensure transparency in fund management.

Recently, a delegation of pensioners visited the Comrade Ugochukwu-led NUP State Executive to follow up on unpaid gratuities. They praised Governor Hope Uzodinma for consistent pension payments and were reassured that another batch of gratuity payments and further verification would soon take place.

The pensioners were also briefed on the harmonisation of pension records and the need to maintain close communication with LGA chapter leaders to monitor their deducted funds.