Gov. Yusuf Pays N6b Gratuities, Death Benefits to 5000 Pensioners in Kano

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has inaugurated payment of N6 billion backlogs of gratuities and death benefits to over 5000 lower categories of retirees and pensioners in the State.
Speaking during the event at Government House on Saturday, Governor Abba blamed the immediate past administration for the neglect and denial to pay retirees of their benefits.

He pointed out that, the present administration inherited a backlog of N48 billion in gratuities and death benefits since 2008, lamenting that many retirees have passed away without receiving their entitlements.
“As you are aware, the eight years of the last administration witnessed neglect of so many sectors which includes deductions of monthly pension illegally”
“We’ve made a promise during the campaign that we will pay pension gratuities and also put an end to monthly pension deduction if given the mandate. Today, Alhamdu lillah, we are fulfilling our promise despite the competing demands” he stated.
The governor further explained that the payment would continue, stressing that the backlog of over 48 billion Naira pension and gratuities would be settled shortly.

He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious utilization of the benefits for a bright future.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman, of Kano State Pension Trustee Fund, Alhaji Habu Fagge, said the board has injected N6 billion for the payment of 5, 200 pensioners in the state

They noted that the payment of the gratuities would end the untold hardship on retirees and civil servants on the verge of retiring and applauded the efforts of Governor Yusuf’s administration for the gesture.
Earlier, the National President of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, represented by the National Trustee of the union, Comrade Abdullahi Tsoho Garba, said the demonstration exhibited by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is a clear indication that his administration is a pensioner-friendly one.
“We remind both the state and the federal governments of the pains, frustration, and hardship Nigerians, Including pensioners currently facing as a result of subsidy removal.”

Abumisi explained that, “We appeal to honor its pledge of including pensioners in the N25,000 cash award as a result of subsidy removal.
Malam Bala Sani and Hajiya Bilkisu Bashir were among the beneficiaries. They applauded the kind gesture of the Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, saying it would go a long way in alleviating their sufferings