N8bn pension pledge: Adamawa retirees to be paid in a fortnight – Zambwa
Adamawa pensioners will start receiving the backlog of arreas to the tune of N8bn after the conclusion of an ongoing verification exercise which commences today, the Public Relations Officer of Adamawa State pensioners, Ahmed Buba Zambwa has disclosed.
In a phone chat with FACTCHECKNEWS reporter, Zambwa expressed optimism that the government will provide the funds immediately after the exercise which is expected to last a week.
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It may be recalled that governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has about three months ago promised to offset the backlog of pension arreas to the tune of N8bn with a promise that N5bn out of the sum will go to the state pensioners while N3bn will be used to offset the local government pension backlog.
But following a long hiatus after the promise, pensioners expressed profound disquiet over the government’s lethargic disposition saying that a promise delayed is a promise breached.
The controversy sparked reactions across the state as many pensioners, already grappling with economic hardship said they had placed high hopes on the governor’s pledge to settle their entitlements.
“We consider that promise seriously as it is our only lifeline for survival,” some of the pensioners had said.
But in a new development, Zambwa urged the pensioners to exercise a little patience as their concerns will soon be addressed.
“Payment is expected to begin immediately after a verification exercise which commences today. Although the funds are not released upfront, we are optimistic Governor Fintiri will make good his promise once the verification is over,” he said.
