Retire Employee Appeal to Gov. Kefas Over Unsettled Gratuity in Taraba
By Bashir ADAMU, JALINGO
Bakari Muhammed Tukur, a retired employee of the Ministry of Co-operative and Poverty Alleviation in Taraba State, has earnestly appealed to Governor Kefas Agbu for the resolution of over a decade-long backlog in gratuity payments.
Addressing the media in Jalingo on Saturday, Tukur emphasized the need for prompt action, citing the dire situation faced by pensioners, including health challenges and sudden deaths within their ranks.
Recognizing the sanctity of honoring commitments to retired public servants, Bakari called for collaborative efforts among state stakeholders to swiftly resolve the leadership tussle within the Union of Pensioners in Taraba, currently under legal scrutiny.
Expressing confidence in Dr. Agbu Kefas's administration, Muhammed urged concerted efforts to clear the outstanding gratuity arrears spanning over a decade, thereby alleviating financial burdens on those who dedicated years of service to the state.
Highlighting the hardships faced by Taraba State pensioners post-retirement, Tukur underscored issues such as delayed gratuity and pension payments, inadequate healthcare support, and challenges financing their children's education. The aging retirees, grappling with health concerns, find their situation exacerbated by the lack of proper medical facilities and affordable healthcare.
Bakari Muhammed Tukur concluded by stressing the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure a dignified and comfortable life for Taraba pensioners who devoted their careers in service to the state.