Isiyaku Ahmed
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kano State Council says the recent approval granted to the Kano State Government by the State House of Assembly to secure a loan of N10 billion to secure CCTV Cameras for the purpose of improving security in the State is a misplaced priority.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed on Friday, by the Kano NLC Chairman, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, and Ag. Secretary Hussaini Budah.
The statement reads:
The attention of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC Kano State Council has been drawn to the recent approval granted to the Kano State Government by the State House of Assembly to secure a loan of 10BN to provide CCTV Cameras for the purpose of improving security in the State.
While the Congress is not in any way against improving the security of lives and properties of its citizens which is one of the sole responsibilities of the Government, we are of the opinion that, in the face of over N27 billion outstanding retirees’ benefits, such a step amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Congress acknowledges the giant strides by the Government in providing security to the citizens, we wish to argue that providing CCTV in the name of improving security is curative, while payment of gratuity and other retirees’ benefits is preventive, taking into consideration the multiplier effects.
Though, the Congress is not unaware that, the liability was inherited by the incumbent Government from the previous administrations since the commencement of the contributory pension scheme in 2007 largely due to the non-remittance of l7% monthly contributions by some agencies of Government, it is time for the incumbent administration to do the right thing in order to make a difference in the spirit of its ‘change mantra.’
Indeed, Pensioners and Workers of Kano State will never forget any administration that settles this menace once and for all.
It is based on the aforementioned that we wish to appeal to His Excellency the Executive Governor to make a case to the State House of Assembly for their assent to secure another loan to settle the outstanding Gratuity and other retirees’ benefits in the best interest of justice and humanitarian consideration.
In fact, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander.
We are hopeful and optimistic that His Excellency would consider this our ‘save our souls’ submission in view of the multiple positive steps the Government will provide.
