Alhaji Babangida Garba Gwandu, leader of the Kebbi State retirees pressure group has asked the governor of the state Senator Atiku Bagudu, to implement the upward pension review of Kebbi pensioners.
Gwandu, in an interview with The PUNCH, described as unfortunate a situation where some pensioners in Kebbi are still receiving N1,800 as monthly pension and several others receiving N2000.
He said, “Many retirees died while waiting for their gratuities and those who are still alive depend on their children who hawk on the streets to provide for their needs and survival.”
Speaking further, the leader of the pressure group accused security agencies of conniving with the government to halt their meeting scheduled to hold last Thursday, 24th June 2021, after they formerly wrote to all concerned authorities including the army in the state.
“Some elements told the police that, we intend to protest with placards, this is laughable. How can weak retired civil servants of sixty to seventy years carry placards, when they can barely stand for less than an hour?
“The state government must take heed and act fast as the situation of retirees in Kebbi State is deteriorating.
“Governor Bagudu should wade in to salvage the situation and save lives of retirees by paying gratuities and upward review of our pensions.”
He also called on his members to remain calm and peaceful as they will continue to engage the government through dialogue and other lawful means.
