The commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jimoh Ijegbai, made this known in Benin City on Friday, while addressing the association of local government pensioners.
Ijegbai said the N1.5billion released by the governor covers eight months arrears of 4,340 local government pensioners in the state.
“You will recall that on May 1, 2018, during the May Day celebration, the governor made a promise to release N1.5billion to clear part of the local government pensioners’ arrears in the state. I am glad to announce to you that the money has been released for immediate payment.”
He explained that after the announcement by the governor, a meeting with the pensioners was called and the screening of the pensioners commenced. “That screening has been completed and we are now ready to pay our pensioners their arrears.”
The commissioner noted that the release of the huge sum of money by the governor to pay pension arrears is unprecedented in the history of Edo State, adding that since governor Obaseki assumed duty, he has not defaulted in the payment of monthly pension.
“As at today, we pay 264 million naira monthly to offset pensioners’ entitlements in the state, and we will continue to pay until we clear the outstanding arrears,” he assured.
The President of Local Government Pensioners’ Association (Edo State) Frank Akinido, thanked the governor for keeping to his promise to pay pensioners their arrears and for remembering them in the scheme of things.
He assured the governor that the state local government pensioners are peace-loving citizens.
