By Hope Ayodele
The APC Youth Ambassadors in Bauchi State has commended President Bola Tinubu administration’s transformative social and economic reforms in the country.
The group also welcomed the proposed N10 billion allocation for payment of outstanding gratuities to retirees by the Bauchi State Government.
This is contained in a statement by its Coordinator, Mr Mohammed Hassan, on Tuesday in Bauchi.
He said the group recognised that Tinubu’s reforms required difficult decisions and adjustments, to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, improve fiscal sustainability, increase public revenue and create greater financial capacity for all tiers governments.
Hassan said that Tinubu, through his viable reform programmes, created a strong fiscal environment, to ensure good governance at the state and local levels.
He urged the Bauchi government to ensure that resources available to the state translate into improved welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, and prompt payment of salaries and pension.
“This is an important development, considering the years of hardship endured by pensioners and retirees who have been waiting for their legitimate entitlements.
“Many have suffered severe financial difficulties, while some have unfortunately passed away without receiving the benefits they earned through years of dedicated service.
“However, pensioners need payment, not just announcements,” he said.
Hassan also urged the state government to provide clear and verifiable information on the allocated fund, including the date of payment, number of beneficiaries, and total outstanding gratuities owed to retirees, among others.
“The payment of pensioners’ entitlements must not be politicised or used as a campaign instrument. Gratuity is not a political favour; it is a legitimate entitlement earned through years of service,” he said.
Hassan charged relevant institutions, pensioners’ associations, labour unions, civil society organisations and the media, to monitor the process and ensure that the money reaches the rightful beneficiaries.
He stressed that the demand for transparency and accountability was not political hostility, but rather a responsibility of the concerned citizens to demand accountability on public resources and the welfare of citizens. (NAN)
Edited by Cecilia.odey/Rabiu Sani-Ali