A formal petition has been submitted to the Benue State Government, calling for the immediate payment of outstanding gratuity owed to Mr. Christopher Okaja Omaga, an 86-year-old retired civil servant who has reportedly waited over two decades for his entitlements.
The petition, dated April 19, 2026, and addressed to the Executive Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, through the Office of the Head of Service, highlights what the petitioner describes as a “prolonged and unjust delay” in settling Mr. Omaga’s retirement benefits, alongside those of other affected retirees.
According to the document signed by Mr. James Okaja, Mr. Omaga served the state for more than 35 years in various capacities, including roles in the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works, Ministry of Agriculture, and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. He also functioned as Secretary to several Commissions of Inquiry and investigative panels during his career.
The petition commends Mr. Omaga’s record of service, describing him as a civil servant who maintained “integrity, discipline, and dedication” throughout his career. It notes that despite opportunities for personal gain, he remained committed to ethical conduct.
“After approximately 24 years of retirement, Mr. Omaga has yet to receive his gratuity,” the petition states, adding that the delay has caused “emotional distress and financial hardship” for the retiree, who is now in advanced age.
Among the requests made are the immediate verification and payment of all outstanding gratuities owed to Mr. Omaga, prioritisation of retirees aged 75 and above, and the establishment of a transparent, time-bound framework for clearing all pending gratuities in the state.
Beyond his public service, the petition outlines Mr. Omaga’s contributions to community development, including mentoring younger professionals and supporting educational and infrastructural initiatives in his community.
The petitioner raised broader concerns about the welfare of retired civil servants in the state, warning that delays in gratuity payments could undermine morale among serving officers and erode trust in public institutions.
While acknowledging efforts by the Benue State Government to address pension and gratuity backlogs, the petition calls for urgent intervention in Mr. Omaga’s case due to his age and health considerations.
Among the requests made are the immediate verification and payment of all outstanding gratuities owed to Mr. Omaga, prioritisation of retirees aged 75 and above, and the establishment of a transparent, time-bound framework for clearing all pending gratuities in the state.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Finance, the Benue State Pension Board, and relevant civil society organizations.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the state government regarding the petition.
