Bagudu approves N2.7bn for gratuity to state, local govt retirees

Gov. Abubakar Bagudu of Kebbi State has approved N2.7 billion for payments of outstanding gratuity and death benefits of deceased retired civil servants in the state.

The Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Finance, Dr Usman Dakingari, announced this in a statement made available to our reporter on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.

Dakingari said the second batch of payment of retirees, which is 100 per cent, would cover up to January 2017.

“The Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Bagudu, has approved N2.7 billion for payments of outstanding gratuity and death benefits of deceased retired civil servants for state, local government and primary teachers across the state,’’ it said.

According to the statement, 2,005 persons would benefit from this payment and the ministry has assured that all retirees, including local government and primary school teachers across the state, will be paid their benefits immediately.

Reacting to the development in an interview with our reporter on Tuesday, the Leader of the pensioners in the state, Alhaji Babangida Gwandu, commended the state government for the approval and release of the fund for the payment of retirees.
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He however called for redress of the anomalies in the payment of retired civil servants between 2012 and 2013.
Gwandu said: “It is a very good attempt. Now we are talking that the state government has started doing good thing now.

“Glory be to God that the governor is doing good thing. We are still appealing that as His Excellency consider the gratuity of 2015 to 2017 pensioners.

“He still has to consider, correct and approve the payment of gratuity and pension arrears of those who retired in 2012 and 2013.

“If he does that, we shall be grateful to him. Until then, we will not stop; we will continue begging, pleading to the government.’’