by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani has ordered the release of N3.8 billion to the Kaduna State Pension Bureau for immediate payment of gratuities, death benefits and accrued rights in the Contributory Pension Scheme.
The order was given by the governor on compassionate grounds, after considering the passionate pleas of the pensioners and families of deceased civil servants, who complained that the ongoing verification exercise has impacted negatively on their living conditions, a statement yesterday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibraheem Musa, has revealed.
Governor Uba Sani, while restating the fact that the verification exercise is aimed at “weeding out” ghost pensioners from the payroll, in order to curtail the frittering away of the State’s meager resources, nevertheless, ordered the Pension Bureau to immediately commence the payment of pensioners.
The governor, while assuring pensioners of his unwavering commitment to their welfare, also added that it is in furtherance of this commitment, that he is determined to “clean-up the payroll” to ensure seamless and uninterrupted payment of monthly pensions.
The governor noted that, “The senior citizens devoted their lives to the service of Kaduna State and must be given all the needed support to make them happy in retirement.”
Governor Sani further assured of the speedy completion of the verification exercise, so that Kaduna State pensioners will enjoy uninterrupted payment, and thanked the pensioners for their patience, understanding and continued support to his administration.
Records reveal that, since assuming office, in May 2023, Governor Uba Sani has paid gratuities, death benefits and accrued rights to the tune of N6.6 billion.