Retirees raise the alarm over lack of access to cooperative savings
Aggrieved retirees of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL)’s Staff Multipurpose Cooperative Societies have cried out over their inability to access savings and dividends, even after years of consistent monthly contributions. They are now demanding a forensic audit of the society’s accounts.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, Elder Ante O. Ante, who spoke on behalf of the concerned members, particularly targeted the Lagos branch of the cooperative society, alleging mismanagement of funds and lack of transparency by its leadership.
The complaint, according to him, was exclusively against the management of the Lagos branch of the NNPC cooperative society.
He said, “We are going to appoint auditors to conduct forensic audits over the years for us, so that we will be able to understand and know the true value, or the true and fair value of the Lagos society. That is what we want. So when we know the true value of the society.”
According to him, the press conference has become necessary because the cooperative members have not received their benefits for some years.
“We are here because over the years, we have not received the benefits that we are supposed to receive as members of the co-creative,” he said.
Ante noted that the cooperative society was originally designed to provide emergency financial assistance and support to members. However, that mandate, he said, has been eroded by alleged selfishness, infighting, and financial recklessness among the society’s executives.