While some may hail Obaseki’s recent move, the glaring question remains: why did it take him so long to address this issue, especially towards the end of his governorship? This is the bitter reality faced by Nigerians, especially civil servants. Just picture this: some individuals have been waiting for their gratuity for a staggering 28 years, while former governors, now senators, are enjoying double pensions.
In a surprising turn of events, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has finally given the green light for the payment of a 28-year backlog of gratuity owed to pensioners under the Edo State Local Government Staff Pension Board.
This revelation was unveiled by the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mrs. Osas-Ehigie Sandra, through an official statement.
According to her, a thorough screening process is set to take place for pensioners who served under the Local Government Staff Pension Board between 1979 and 2008.
Mrs. Osas-Ehigie emphasized, “This announcement is directed at pensioners on the rolls of the Local Government Staff Pension Board who retired between 1979 and 2008. His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has generously allocated funds for their long-awaited gratuity. The screening exercise will occur at the Local Government Staff Pensions Board Premises, situated in King Square, Benin City.”
She continued, “All confirmed pensioners must physically present themselves at the designated venue with their pension identity cards, biometrics slip, and pay advice during the period from Monday, October 16th, to Friday, October 20th, 2023, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily.”
While Obaseki’s actions are commendable, it leaves us wondering if this is just the tip of the iceberg. Will other sectors, including the Judiciary, in Edo State also receive their long-overdue gratuity payments? Only time will tell.
