Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has vowed to clear all outstanding gratuity and death benefits totaling N21 billion, inherited from previous administrations, before the end of his first tenure.

“So far, within two years of the present administration, N27 billion has been paid, including today’s N5 billion settlement,” the governor stated.

Governor Yusuf made the pledge during the payment of the fifth tranche of retirees’ gratuity and death benefits, totaling N5 billion, held at Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, on Wednesday.

A statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Wednesday said that over 50 percent of the 12,000 pensioners have already received their full benefits.

“As we launch another batch of the payment of outstanding gratuity and death benefits to pensioners and the families of deceased civil servants, we are reaffirming our commitment to ending the suffering and hardship they have endured for a long time.

I therefore use this opportunity to “thank Almighty Allah and to launch this fifth disbursement as part of our unwavering commitment to settle the entire outstanding gratuity and death benefits, Insha Allah, before the end of my first term.”

“This is to bring final relief to our senior citizens and their families after facing frustration and hardship for many years in trying to get their entitlements,” the governor assured.

Governor Yusuf commended the senior citizens for their patience, assuring them that they would soon all be smiling.

He also appreciated the commitment and support the government is receiving from pension managers within and outside the state, especially individuals such as the Executive Chairman of the Kano Pension Trustee Fund, Alhaji Habu Muhammad Fagge; the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade Godwin Abumisi; and the Acting NUP Chairman, Kano, Comrade Shu’aibu Musa Jibril.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Kano Emirates Council, Muhammad Sanusi II, represented by the Emir of Rano, Autan Bawo, Dr. Muhammad Isa Umaru, commended Governor Yusuf’s giant strides in settling N27 billion in pensioner benefits.

The emir lamented that pensioners under the immediate past administration were forced to pay bribes before collecting their gratuities.

Highlights of the event included:

Instant random posting of benefit payments

Presentation of death benefit cheques

Awarding of Governor Yusuf’s portraits by some pensioners