News Investigators/ The group of retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Kaduna State have expressed concern over the non-implementation of agreements reached with the state government on the restoration of their full pension entitlements
The group in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna through their lawyer, Tanimu Abdullahi urged Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani to intervene and address their plight.
Mr Abdullahi said the group’s challenge dates back to March 2020 when the previous administration reduced their pensions by 80 per cent, a decision the group described as inconsistent with Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.
He said members of the group, dissatisfied with the development, approached the National Industrial Court, which in July 2021 ordered the Kaduna State Government to restore their full pensions and pay arrears estimated at about N1 billion within 30 days.
According to him, following alleged non-compliance with the judgment by the then administration, the group returned to court and secured a “Garnishee Order” on three government bank accounts to enforce the ruling.
Mr Abdullahi added that enforcement was halted after Mr Sani, shortly after assuming office, met with members of the group in October 2023 and appealed for the withdrawal of the case in favour of an out-of-court settlement.
He further stated that the governor promised to address the group’s concerns by including their entitlements in the 2024 budget, setting up a committee to review the matter, and implementing its recommendations.
According to him, a committee chaired by the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Sule Shuaibu (SAN), was constituted, and provisions for their payments were reportedly captured in subsequent budgets.
However, Mr Abdullahi said the group has not received any payments so far, despite repeated assurances from the state government.
He noted that although the governor approved an upward review of the group’s entitlements to about 60 per cent, the remaining 40 per cent balance has remained unpaid.
The group lamented that the delay in implementation has worsened the living conditions of affected retirees, describing the situation as deeply distressing and unsustainable.
“19 out of about 80 affected retirees have died over the years due to stress-related illnesses and worsening economic conditions.”
The group also expressed concern that despite recent pension payments made to some categories of retirees in the state, its members were not included, describing the situation as disappointing and discriminatory.
The retirees called on the state government to urgently revisit the matter, implement the court judgment, and fulfil earlier commitments made to them.
The group appealed to Mr Sani to demonstrate commitment to his promises and uphold democratic principles by resolving the long-standing issue.
NAN
