The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has announced the suspension of its planned protest scheduled for today.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, national president of the union, Comrade Ali Abacha said the union has decided to suspend the planned protest due to useful negotiations it has had with the federal government.

The union which is agitating for improvement in the irregularities in pension payment for pensioners and the non-payment of check-off dues to it, said the intervention by the Head of Service and minister of labour and productivity, led to the suspension of the planned protest.

It said however that should the government not meet the demands of the union members in three weeks, it will go ahead with the protest.

Abacha lamented the plight of pensioners in the country, saying the government need to need its senior citizens with respect.

He said it is satisfied with the inauguration of the complaint desk by the federal government to deal with the irregularities associated with pension payment in the country.

He said, "Against the backdrop of the ultimatum given to the federal government by the union against 25 February 2013 to address the mounting problems of the pensioners, created by the disbanded PRTT, we wish to appeal to our apprehensive and dejected members that the union has had useful discussion with the federal government and is still dialoguing with the federal government through the Office of the Head of Service Of the Federation (HoSF) and the minster of labour and productivity over their demands.

"Consequently, a machinery has been put in place to address their grievances, thereby necessitating the suspension of the protest action slated for 25th.

"However, the union is closely monitoring the activities of the office of the head of service for accelerated processing and payment of pensioners' entitlement. However, we wish to warn and reiterate that our patience should not be mistaken for cowardice as we shall prove our mettle if within the next three weeks nothing tangible and practical is done to convince the pensioners of the genius commitment of the government"