The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) yesterday urged President Bola Tinubu to halt the alleged attempt to “balkanise” the union.

According to the body, the recent registration of a new retirees’ body by the Ministry of Labour and Employment violates extant labour laws and threatens pensioners’ unity.

Speaking during the union’s emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, National President Godwin Abumisi said they were alarmed by the “disturbing developments” in the organisation, saying they are capable of plunging the NUP into avoidable crises if left unchecked.

He said the meeting was convened as “a rescue mission” to safeguard the stability of the union. Abumisi said: “Our meeting today is borne out of great concern and deep worry over ugly developments within our union. “It is a call to action to prevent the NUP from being dragged into unnecessary internal and external crises.”

At the centre of the dispute was the ministry’s recent registration of the Association of Retirees of State Government, which the NUP characterised as unlawful and destabilising. Abumisi said: “It is public knowledge that the ministry has registered a body called ‘Association of Retirees of State Government’.

“This is a calculated attempt to undermine the unity, solidarity, and collective strength that have sustained our union for decades.”

According to him, the move contravenes the provisions of the Trade Unions Act, Cap T.14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. He said: “It is incontrovertible that this action violates extant labour laws. We must rise to resist it with all legitimate means.”

He added: “The NUP has always remained peaceful and cooperative with successive governments, particularly under the Tinubu government.”

The union lauded the government’s approval of N58 billion for Defined Benefit Scheme pensioners and N758 billion for pension increases under the contributory scheme, noting that the measures have brought relief to retirees.