BY CHUWANG DUNGS
The Taraba State government on Friday began the disbursement of N500 million first batch payment of outstanding gratuities to the civil servants who retired from the local government service.
DAYLIGHTREPORTERS learnt that the last time gratuities were paid to retired civil servants in the state was in 2009 and a number of 1166 persons will benefit from the first batch.
The symbolic presentation took place at the Conference hall of the Bureau for Local Government and Traditional Affairs in Jalingo, the state capital.
Speaking at the flag of the disbursement, the Chairperson of the committee in charge of the disbursement, Sarah Adi, said the gesture was aimed at promoting the welfare of retirees in the state.
Mrs Adi, who was represented by the overseer of the Bureau, Benjamin Baissa, said the governor Agbu Kefas is determined to pay the backlog of gratuities owed by the government.
“Agbu Kefas has, once again, shown to all Tarabans and indeed the whole world, that he is a man of his words by setting up this Committee and graciously releasing the sum of Five Hundred Million Naira (N500,000,000.00) only for the payment to the beneficiaries covering 2010, 2011 and part of 2012.” He said.
Adding that N100 million Naira will be released monthly for subsequent payments.
He urged those who were not included in the first batch to remain hopeful as the administration continued its efforts to maximize the happiness and welfare of the greatest number of people.
Expressing his gratitude to the governor, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mamuda Yaro, noted that the payment was a significant relief for the retirees, as it had been long awaited. He assured the governor of the retirees’ support in the forthcoming election.
One of the affected pensioners and retired teacher, George Danladi, thanked the governor for his compassion and interest in the welfare of pensioners in the state.
