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The Bayelsa State Government has cautioned principal officers of local government councils to avoid delays in submitting the names of prospective retirees promptly for the processing and payment of pension benefits.
The Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, issued this warning during a meeting with the chairmen and principal officers from the eight local government councils at Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
Ewhrudjakpo instructed that the names of departing workers be submitted by the 18th of each month at the latest to the office of Mr. Timipre Seipulou, the Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury and Accounts, for processing.
He emphasized that anyone found guilty of undermining this policy, which aims to facilitate timely payment of retirees’ benefits, would face penalties.
The Deputy Governor expressed his intention to establish a competent local government system that would prevent future issues related to delayed pension payments.
Ewhrudjakpo criticized the existing backlog of unpaid pensions and mentioned that the government plans to create strategies to ensure that retirees receive their pensions one month after their retirement.
He particularly requested that chairmen collaborate with the technical adviser on treasury and accounts to develop a payment model, as the available funds cannot clear the total outstanding gratuities of approximately five billion naira all at once.
The Deputy Governor also advised local government leaders to allocate annual leave for employees as a motivational measure.
He took the opportunity to show appreciation to all eight local government chairmen for their cooperation and the contributions that have led to significant progress within the councils.
During the meeting, he stated, “Our purpose for convening this meeting is to provide information, give directives, and issue a warning. I have a low tolerance for indolence, complacency, laziness, incompetence, and intentional hindrance to progress.”
He continued, “We have resolved that all retirees should receive their pensions monthly. This decision is firm, yet reports indicate that some local government officials are attempting to hinder this by not providing the necessary information.”
He noted that local government officers were supposed to submit timely monthly updates regarding retirees to the Technical Adviser on Treasury and Accounts, Mr. Seipulou.
“I am displeased that local government officers are obstructing this process,” he added. “Chairmen, take notice: every local government is required to submit reports by the 18th of each month unless it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, in which case submissions will be accepted on the 20th. Any local government that fails to comply will face consequences, including the transfer of the treasurer and those involved in the process.”
He acknowledged the complaints from retirees waiting in line, stating that those currently leaving service are receiving their payments.
He insisted on collective effort to address the backlog, expressing confidence that by the end of the month, they would find solutions to resolve the delays. “What I aim to accomplish, by God’s grace, is to avoid leaving a legacy of unpaid pensions and gratuities.”
In separate comments, Noel Itade, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Local Government Chapter, and Comrade Clement Etifa, the Head of Brass Local Government Council, praised Ewhrudjakpo for his effective oversight and initiatives that have enhanced the functioning of local councils and improved service delivery.
