Abuja: The APC Youth Ambassadors in Bauchi State have expressed their commendation for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, highlighting its transformative social and economic reforms across Nigeria. The group has also shown support for the Bauchi State Government’s proposal to allocate N10 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to retirees.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this was conveyed in a statement by the group’s Coordinator, Mr. Mohammed Hassan, in Bauchi. Hassan emphasized that the reforms initiated by Tinubu necessitate challenging decisions and adjustments to bolster Nigeria’s economy, improve fiscal sustainability, increase public revenue, and enhance the financial capacity of all levels of government.
Hassan noted that Tinubu’s viable reform programs have established a robust fiscal environment, ensuring effective governance at both the state and local levels. He called upon the Bauchi government to ensure that the state’s resources lead to improvements in welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment, and the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
“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,” Hassan stated.
He also urged the state government to provide clear and verifiable information regarding the allocated funds, including the payment date, number of beneficiaries, and total outstanding gratuities owed to retirees. Hassan stressed that the payment of pensioners’ entitlements should not be politicized or used as a campaign tool, as gratuity is a legitimate entitlement earned through years of service.
Hassan appealed to relevant institutions, pensioners’ associations, labor unions, civil society organizations, and the media to monitor the process and ensure the funds reach the rightful beneficiaries. He emphasized that the call for transparency and accountability is not an act of political opposition but a responsibility of concerned citizens to demand accountability in the usage of public resources and the welfare of citizens.