Gov. Buni puts smiles on faces of LG retirees, approves over N228 Million benefits

Gov. Buni

Yobe Gov. Mai Mala Buni has put smiles on the faces of 198 Local Government retirees as he approves the immediate  payment of their  benefits  amounting to over N228.9 million.

Out of the number celebrating the approval is 42 families whose breadwinners are deceased and would be paid through their next of kins according to a statement released by Abdullahi Bego, spokesman to Gov. Mai Mala Buni.

The statement reads:  “His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the sum of N228, 914, 250.19 for the payment of the benefits of l98 local government retirees.

“Of this number, 42 are deceased members of staff and their benefits, totaling N56, 682, 230.15, will be paid to their next of kin.

“The balance of N172, 231, 020.04 will be paid to the remaining 156 beneficiaries.

“The governor’s approval follows the recommendations of the Committee on the Payment of Local Government Staff Pensions Arrears, Death Benefits and Gratuities headed by the Auditor-General for Local Governments”.

This is the first time Gov. Buni is making such an approval. His predecessor Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam had consistently maintained the payment of retirees benefits both at the state and the local government levels throughout his tenure as governor.

Many workers had expressed fear whether Gov. Buni will keep with the tempo of the payment. This first payment will therefore serve as his commitment to continue with the laudable programs of the immediate past administration of Gov. Gaidam.

A source from the ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in the state said the mandate of the payment is being worked on and the payment will be effected within a few days.

The source added that those deceased families will be paid through the probate account.

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