…….2,000 Ghost Pensioners Uncovered, expunged from Payroll
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu has approved the payment of the sum ten billion naira as gratuity to retirees in the state.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Nsa Gill made available to newsmen in Calabar on Friday, said the move was part of government’s efforts to offset the backlog of outstanding gratuities.
The statement added that the Governor has equally approved the constitution of a Committee of the Executives of State and Local Government Pension Unions under the headship of the Secretary to the State Government.
“The Committee is expected to meet with the Secretary to the State Government on Monday, 29th July, 2024 with a view to working out modalities for the payment of gratuities to retired Civil and Public Officers in Cross River State.
“It will be recalled that the present administration inherited backlog of unpaid gratuities of retiree dating back to the year 2014. The promise by the present administration to commence payment since last year has been delayed due to necessary steps for audit and verification.
“So far, the audit and verification exercise has uncovered over 2,000 ghost pensioners, who have consequently been expunged from both the State and Local Government Pensions Payrolls.
Additionally, “With the near completion of the exercise to authenticate genuine pensioners, payment of gratuities will commence in August, 2024.
“The Committee led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) has one week from the date of their 1st meeting to submit its report to Government.”
