How Governor Yusuf Plans To Recover N5.4bn Pension Funds Unremitted By Ganduje's Administration

In a bold move to address financial discrepancies from the previous administration, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced his commitment to recovering over N5.4 billion in pension contributions that were deducted but not remitted by the Abdullahi Ganduje administration. Speaking at the launch of a N5 billion gratuity payment to 4,000 retirees, Yusuf emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of pension funds.

Governor Yusuf expressed his outrage at the misappropriation of the pension funds, declaring it unacceptable for any government to deduct workers' contributions without ensuring they are properly remitted. "The primary work of government is to secure the rights and welfare of its citizens. It is unacceptable for anyone to deduct workers' monthly pension contributions and not remit the funds," Yusuf asserted.

To address the issue, Yusuf called on pensioners to formally petition the state government, requesting an investigation into the unremitted pension contributions. He reassured the retirees that his administration is determined to recover the misappropriated funds and ensure that justice is served. "The debacle we are in now is that all the money deducted from your monthly pension payments, amounting to over N5.4 billion, was not remitted to the state treasury but taken to personal accounts. We are determined to get them back," he vowed.

Yusuf also revealed that his administration inherited a staggering N43 billion in pension arrears from the Ganduje government. To address this backlog, he has pledged to make consistent payments to clear the arrears and ensure that retirees receive their due benefits.

Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdussalam, the state Accountant General, reiterated the governor's commitment to resolving the pension backlog that has accumulated over the past decade. "Governor Yusuf is committed to paying the pension backlog of ten years," Abdussalam stated, emphasizing the administration's dedication to financial accountability and the welfare of retirees.

Chairman of the Nigeria Pensioners Union, Kano State, Comrade Salisu Gwale, highlighted the union's concerns about the pension situation before the 2023 elections. "We asked how the new government would solve the problem of pensions in Kano, with over N43 billion in unpaid pensions," Gwale said, expressing his confidence in the current administration's efforts to rectify the situation.

Gwale also voiced his disappointment over the previous administration's handling of pension funds, which left many retirees shortchanged. The union is hopeful that Governor Yusuf's decisive actions will restore confidence and ensure that pensioners receive their rightful payments.

In conclusion, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's commitment to recovering the unremitted pension funds and addressing the backlog of payments reflects his administration's dedication to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of Kano State's retirees.