There are many like him, my cousin
They die slowly each day
Waiting for their pension,
Waiting patiently, hopefully.
Afterall, having worked so hard
They deserve to rest.
All dues paid including bribes
To facilitate quick payment during rest.
Tomes of files bearing
Their names and benefits entitled
Retrieved from cupboards and hidden stores
Are piled up before the ‘ogas’ for approval.
But one, two, three years after,
No signs of payment yet!
My cousin is already a living dead, pity!
After 35 years serving
Ijebu Ode Local Government
No relief yet in spite of awards for good conduct.
Already a creaky, rickety wagon at 60,
Afraid of death, he begs:
Let them pay me, he moans!!!
Tell them, brother tell them
You know them who lock up our fortunes.
He just lost an elder brother
Who served in Lagos, died shortly after service
While waiting for pension peanuts!
Let it not happen to me, he pleads.
Arise, ye pensioners
Death is knocking at the door!
Eyin lo kan, now it’s your turn
To die miserably!
Birds of carrion are flapping their wings
As the governors look elsewhere!
Tell the gluttons to wake up,
The people are dying!
