By Matthew Denis
The Governor of Taraba state, Dr Agbu Kefas has approved the sum of one billion naira for the payment of the backlog of gratuity for pensioners in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to journalists by the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communication on Thursday.
Recall that the last time any payment was made to retirees was in 2011.
The Governor while signing the approval directed the ministry of Finance to ensure immediate payment of the overdue entitlements.
He regretted the delay and saying his government will not abandon workers who had served their fatherland diligently.
Apart from the initial one billion naira, the Governor also approved a sum of N200 million to be set aside each month to offset the backlog and continue the payments.
It would be recalled that Dr Agbu Kefas, during the campaign, promised to offset pensions and gratuity in spite of the huge backlog. The governor noted that it is unrighteous to deny workers who have slaved over the years their entitlements. He noted that his government will continue to service and make prompt payments of salaries, pension and gratuities.
Assuring pensioners of Governor Kefas’ goodwill, the Permanent Secretary, Pensions, Mrs Rose Garba Ajiya, said the gesture will effectively end many years of anguish and frustration of aged pensioners.
She stressed that her team is well prepared to begin payments as all records are available and accurately kept.