Taraba State Governor, Dr kefas Agbu has authorized the allocation of one billion naira to offset the payment backlog of gratuities.
Emmanuel Bello, the Special Adviser on Media and Digital Communications to the Governor, released a statement on Sunday indicating that no payments have been made since 2011.
Governor Kefas signed the approval, directing the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the overdue entitlements are paid immediately.
He expressed regret for the delay and promised workers that his administration would not abandon those who had served their state diligently.
In addition to the initial one billion naira, the governor also approved a monthly sum of N200 million to continue the payments and offset the backlog.
During his campaign, Dr. Agbu Kefas had promised to offset pensions and gratuity despite the significant backlog and reaffirmed his commitment to this promise.
The Permanent Secretary of Pensions, Mrs. Rose Garba Ajiya, expressed her appreciation for this gesture, stating that it would effectively end years of anguish and frustration for aged pensioners.
She assured the public that she and her team were well prepared to begin the payments as all records were available and accurately kept.
The Chairman of the Forum of Islamic Preachers, Taraba State chapter, Malam Husseini Isma’il, commended Governor Kefas for his outstanding leadership and described him as a God-fearing person.
He prayed for God’s continued guidance, protection, and wisdom in the Governor’s governance of the state.
He also urged the people of the State to maintain peace with one another to allow the present administration to fulfill its Moving Forward Agenda.
Sani Sulaiman
