21st January, 2019
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
The sum of N843, 324, 509.46 has been approved by Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, for the payment of arrears owed local government pensioners covering years 2015 to 2018.
The State Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Mr. Jimoh Ijegbai, disclosed this during a press conference with members of local government pensioners in the state.
He said: “You will recall that during the May Day celebration last year, the governor approved N1.5 billion to defray arrears of pensioners of the unified local government system in Edo State.
“This recent approval of N843, 324, 509.46 is a further demonstration of the commitment of the Obaseki-led administration in Edo State to ensure that all arrears of pension are cleared.”
Ijegbai explained, “Last year, on a monthly basis, we were using N264 million to pay pensioners and at the close of December, we paid pensioners to the tune of N3.168 billion.
“If you add this to the N1.5 billion that we paid in June last year and this recent approval of N843, 324, 509.46 that we are paying today, it will bring the total amount used in paying pensioners for one year to N5, 511,324, 509.46.
“That is what we have used to pay pensioners of the unified local government system in one year.”
The commissioner assured that “Governor Obaseki is determined to clear the little arrears that we will have after now. Between now and June, we will pay another batch of 2009 to 2014 and thereafter, we will pay what is left before the end of the year.”
“We are determined to ensure our senior citizens do not suffer unduly after retirement and we have put machinery in place to ensure that as you exit from the service and complete all your papers, we will ensure that payments are effected.”
In his response, Chairman of Local Government Pensioners Association, Edo State, Mr. Fredrick Akinido, commended the Governor for his efforts at clearing the bulk of arrears he inherited.