By Monday Danladi, Bauchi
The Bauchi APC Youth Ambassadors have warned the Bauchi State Government against turning the proposed N10 billion gratuity payment into a political campaign tool, insisting that retirees’ entitlements must be paid transparently and without partisan considerations.
In a statement issued to journalists in Bauchi on Tuesday and signed by its Coordinator, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, the group welcomed the government’s plan to clear outstanding gratuity arrears owed to retired civil servants, but said announcements alone were not enough.
“Pensioners need payment, not just announcements. “Gratuity is not a political favour. It is a legitimate entitlement earned through years of service.” Hassan said.
The group described the N10 billion allocation as an important development given years of hardship endured by pensioners, some of whom it said had died waiting for their benefits.
To avoid misuse of the fund, the Youth Ambassadors asked government to publish clear and verifiable details before disbursement begins. They listed: the exact date payment will commence, number and categories of beneficiaries, years of arrears to be covered, the state’s total outstanding gratuity liability, the mechanism for identifying and paying beneficiaries, and the long-term plan for clearing the remaining backlog.
“We also urge that the payment of pensioners’ entitlements must not be politicised or used as a campaign instrument,” the statement read.
The group further called on pensioners’ associations, labour unions, civil society organisations and the media to monitor the process to ensure accountability.
“Our demand for transparency is not political hostility. It is our responsibility as concerned citizens and supporters of the APC to demand accountability wherever public resources and the welfare of citizens are involved,” Hassan added.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it called bold economic reforms aimed at improving fiscal capacity at all levels of government, the group urged the Bauchi government to ensure available resources translate into welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment and timely payment of workers and pensioners.
“Our message on the N10 billion gratuity allocation is simple: Move from announcement to implementation. From promises to payment. From political rhetoric to transparent and verifiable action,” Hassan said.
“The people of Bauchi State, especially our pensioners, deserve nothing less.”
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