By Amos Aar
THE NIGERIAN Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Benue State is embroiled in a leadership crisis, with allegations and counterclaims surrounding the union’s upcoming elections.
The crisis peaked at a recent meeting in Makurdi where the interim chairman of the union, Comrade Simon Anchaver, called for the establishment of a caretaker committee to reconcile aggrieved factions before elections.
Anchaver alleged that Comrade Michael Vembe, the current NUP State Chairman, had been removed from office in April 2023 and is facing litigation at the National Industrial Court, with a ruling expected on February 8.
Anchaver, who was a former two-term chairman of the Benue State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and two-term National President of the Agric and Allied Workers Union of Nigeria, urged security agencies to prevent Vembe from proceeding with the elections as he accused him of plotting to install loyalists as local branch leaders to secure re-election.
Anchaver and his supporters criticised Vembe’s alleged promise to use pensioners’ check-off dues to purchase a second-term nomination form for Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Emmanuel Foga, a member of Anchaver’s group, expressed dismay over the development, accusing Vembe of diverting attention from governance.
Another member, Julius Ahmedu, labelled Vembe an opposition figure who worked against Governor Alia during the 2023 elections.
However, in an interview, Vembe dismissed the claims, describing Anchaver’s group as “a mere collection of individuals seeking undue recognition.”
Vembe explained that the union’s election processes are transparent and cannot be manipulated.
“We don’t conduct elections for local branches; they handle their own processes,” Vembe explained, adding: “The local branches elect their leaders, and we only verify their results. Claims that I rigged elections by installing loyalists are baseless.”
Addressing Anchaver’s allegations, Vembe said: “Anchaver is afraid of losing. He has picked a form to contest but knows he lacks support from the delegates. He is making baseless accusations to justify his imminent defeat.”
On the controversial pledge to purchase a nomination form for Governor Alia, Vembe stated: “The idea was a collective decision by pensioners across Benue. Governor Alia has consistently paid pensions and introduced policies beneficial to us. Supporting him for a second term is our way of showing appreciation.”
Vembe emphasised the union’s commitment to democratic principles, assuring that the upcoming elections will be free and fair.
He also highlighted his achievements, including clearing outstanding office rent and establishing a conducive secretariat for pensioners.
“My goal is to build a permanent secretariat within the next four years. This is my second term, and I intend to leave behind a legacy of stability and development,” he said.
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Vembe accused Anchaver of plotting to disrupt the elections, warning security agencies to monitor his activities. “Anchaver wants to cause unrest, but we are focused on holding peaceful elections. He should address his fears by campaigning to delegates instead of making false claims,” Vembe opined.
Despite the controversy, Vembe assured union members that the election, overseen by the National Secretariat of NUP, will proceed as planned.
When contacted via phone calls and texts messages to get his further reactions to allegations of questionable membership and other issues, Comrade Anchaver did not respond to National Record.
