Enugu LG Pensioners To Receive 25-Years’ Gratuity Arrears

Twenty-five years’ arrears of gratuities owed native authorities retirees in Enugu State are set to be settled.

The Deputy Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Enugu State, Hon Ferdinand Ukwueze, said this whereas briefing Government House correspondents after the fortieth assembly of the Enugu State Economic Planning Commission. THE WHISTLER stories that the assembly was chaired by Governor Peter Mbah.

Ukwueze, who doubles as Chairman of Igboeze South Local Government Area, stated the event was in sync with the dedication of the state authorities to settle inherited gratuity obligations and enhance the welfare of retirees.

According to him, “In a very historic manner, the local government system in Enugu State has taken the bold step of aligning with the state’s policy of alleviating the hardship of the masses. In line with the payment of the legacy gratuity that the state government embarked on a couple of days ago, the local governments have also decided at the Economic Planning Commission meeting to step into that arrangement to make sure that we clear all the gratuities we inherited.”

He defined that the ten per cent allocation could be put aside month-to-month from October till the excellent gratuities are absolutely paid. “Beginning from this month, we are going to key into what the state government has started implementing already by making sure that we offset those debts. The decision is that starting from this month, 10 per cent of our monthly allocation will be dedicated to that responsibility until it is cleared. So, once we start it, there is no going back. Every worker who worked in our local governments will have access to this entitlement,” Ukwueze said.

He said that arrears dated again to 2000. In his phrases, “For clarity, the arrears are from the year 2000, but, as I said, we are going to clear all the over 25-year legacy gratuities. The reason is to put smiles on the faces of the masses, especially those of them who spent their youthfulness serving the public in our various local government areas.”

Some retirees that interacted with our reporter described the transfer as a welcome growth. Nathaniel Eze served in Udi LGA. He stated, “At a time, I thought that serving in a local government is a scam in Enugu State. Preceding administrations did not care about us. There are many LG retirees that have died without receiving their gratuities and pensions. When I heard about this development, I was happy. We have always wondered how LGAs could be getting their allocations, without paying gratuities.”

Mary Obule served in Udenu LGA. She stated, “I am very happy. Otherwise serving in local governments has become a curse. I retired in 2019, and have nothing to show for it. I know many of us that retired ahead of me, and they are either riding okada or operating pubs to earn a living. Many can’t train their children and wards in schools. I thank Gov Peter Mbah specifically because he has given us a sense of belonging.”