— Appeals to the governor to Offset gratuities owed pensioners
By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The Association of Retired Clerks and Deputy Clerks Kogi state House of Assembly, has commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for the approval of 72,500 as minimum wage for the state civil servants.
In a statement issued by the chairman of the forum, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa-Amoka, said “it is a thing of joy to note that His Excellency, Gov. Ododo is one of the first and few governors that has so far approved the payment of the new minimum wage beyond the N70,000 benchmark.
The Association noted with satisfaction the Governor’s renewed commitment to uplifting the standard of living of local govt and state workers, including pensioners in the state through regular and timely payment of salaries and pensions.
The chairman added that “This is also a reflection of the Governor’s determination to bequeath an enduring legacy through delivery of trust-worthy and quality services to the people of kogi state through the execution of Infrastructural projects accross the state, he stressed.
The Immediate past Clerk of the Kogi state House of Assembly, Alhaji Amoka on behalf of other members, therefore calls on all citizens of the state irrespective of political, ethnic and religious affiliations or persuasions to join hands together with the Governor to forster an enabling environment of trust and collaboration, by recognizing the positive impact of Government efforts at alleviating poverty through committed intervention that will bring change that will enhances high quality of life for all.
“While thanking Gov. Ahmed Ododo for the 10,000 increase in the pension accruals across board, we therefore appeals to His Excellency to as usual look with compassion into the plight of pensioners in the state with a view to also intensifying action, like other states of the federation to offset the gratuities owed pensioners so as to enable them enjoy the fruit of their labour while alive and with dignity “.