By Muhammad Aminu
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Kano State Chapter has pleaded with Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje to prioritise payment of outstanding retirement benefits than installing CCTV in the State.
The Union described the recently-approved loan for security infrastructural development in Kano as a misplaced priority in the face of over N27 billion outstanding retirees’ benefits.
In a statement co-signed by NLC Kano Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Minjibir and Acting Secretary Hussaini Budah on Friday, the Union urged the Governor to secure another loan to settle retirees’ benefits.
“We wish to appeal to His Excellency the Executive Governor to make a case to the State House of Assembly for their assent to secure another loan to settle the outstanding gratuity and other retirees’ benefits in the best interest of justice and humanitarian consideration. In fact, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.”
“While the Congress is not in any way against improving the security of lives and properties or its Citizens, which is one of the sole responsibilities of the Government, we are of the opinion that, in the face of over 27BN outstanding retirees benefits, such a step amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul.
“The congress acknowledges the giant strides by the Government in providing security to the citizens, we wish to argue that providing CCTV in the name of improving security is curative, while payment of gratuity and other retirees benefits is preventive, taking into consideration the multiplier effects.”
The Union acknowledged that the outstanding gratuity is cumulative from previous administrations, it, however, said it is time for the incumbent administration to do the right thing in order to make a difference in the spirit of its “change mantra”.
“We are hopeful and optimistic that His Excellency would consider this our ‘save our souls’ submission in view of the multiple advantages such a positive step by the Government will provide.”
It can be recalled that The Daily Reality reported that the Kano State House of Assembly had approved a loan request of 10 billion naira for Gov Ganduje’s security Infrastructure development in Kano.
