Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has lamented the non prioritisation of payment of gratuities in the eight-year tenure of his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje which has caused a backlog of ₦48 billion.
Yusuf stated that the non-payment of gratuities and death benefits through out the eight years of the past Governor caused difficult times and untold hardships to the recipients and their families.
He disclosed this during the official launch of the 3rd tranche of ₦5 billion payment of backlog of gratuities and death benefits of retirees at the Government House.
He also sympathised with hundreds of retirees that had lost their lives while waiting for their entitlements in a statement released by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa on Friday.
He said, “The perennial neglect of Ganduje’s administration to settle pensioners entitlements in the last eight years of his government has subjected pensioners to hardship in Kano.
“This is the biggest social security threat ever witnessed since the creation of Kano state in 1967. Many have lost their lives while waiting endlessly for their gratuities.”
He explained that the release of a cumulative sum of ₦16 billion in gratuities to about 6,886 retirees in three tranches was part of his campaign promise to ease the pain of senior citizens who had contributed immensely to public service while on active service.
According to him, payment of backlog gratuities to the lawful beneficiaries is not only an obligation but a moral right of every leader. He assured the retirees of transparent processes for the payment, which they would receive through an electronic system from the government Treasury.
“Out of over N48 billion inherited, we commenced settlement process with N6 billion being the 1st tranche to 2,2667 retirees. A few months later, we released the second tranche of N5 billion to 2,216 pensioners. Today, I am overwhelmed with joy to witness the launch of the 3rd trench of N5 billion for 2,000 beneficiaries.
“We are not paying the pensioners in cash because we don’t have confidence in the cash payment, and we would not allow the irregularities that characterised the past administration to reoccur. You will all be paid through banks directly to your account”, he added
