Headlines
Kano pensioner collapsed while protesting non-payment of N30.9bn entitlements
Nasiru Yusuf
A pensioner collapsed while protesting over unpaid N30.900 billion accumulated pension in Kano.
KANO FOCUS reports that the pensioner was participating in a peaceful rally organised by Kano state branch of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Kano.
The pensioners, who started their march from the Emir’s palace along state road to Government House Kano, carried placards with several inscriptions indicating “Pay us our pension arrears”, Resume compliance to pension laws”, “Monthly pension deductions must be stopped and monthly pension is non-taxable by law, why deduct on it?”
Speaking shortly after submitting the Pensioners’ demand to Head of Service, Alhaji Usman Bala, the state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Kabiru Ado Minijibir, who was there in solidarity with the protesting pensioners, said, the state owes 32,600 pensioners accumulated N36.900 billion unpaid arrears.
Comrade Kabiru Ado Minijibir
He said, as of June 2022, 18,111 pensioners were unpaid, adding that this problem has resulted in the deaths of many while others have taken ill with no money to settle hospital bills.
Minjibir explained that the refusal by many government agencies and parastatals to pay 17 percent of deducted pension money has now reached over N60 billion.
Pensioners during the rally
The NLC Chairman prayed that government would henceforth stop the illegal deductions of pensioners’ money, which he noted contravenes the 2016 Pension Law which prohibited deductions of pensioners’ funds and has mandated agencies and parastatals to pay their due as at when due.
“We also hope that Government would set aside special funds to commence the immediate payment of the unsettled N30.900 billion funds, and also ensure that the unwarranted cut in thier money immediately stopped.
Pensioners during the peaceful rally
“Failure to this might results in the pensioners taking the last option which is legal action, but we know and believes that Governor Ganduje has his people in his heart as can be seen in the monthly payment of pension allowances and salaries”.
Responding the State Head of Service and who is also the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Usman Bala, reminded that the accumulated unpaid pension arrears could be traced to the Government of Senator Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau and Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso which Governor Ganduje inherited.
Alhaji Usman Bala
He said it is not a story that Governor Kwankwaso uses the pension money to build houses in the state to the detriment of the pensioners and the houses are now there laying fallow without anybody using them.
“But despite all these negative tendencies, our government now is paying monthly Pension allowances and also tried in paying some gratuity, but one should know that the Nation is facing serious cash crunch and Kano is not exceptional,” he said.
Pensioners during the rally
He assured that the problems emanated from the fact that so many civil servants have retired from the service, leaving a vacuum in non-remittance of pensions to the pension funds, but Government in its wisdom is now employing over two thousand new civil servants to fill the vacuum and ensure monthly deductions.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas, has announced the reintroduction of remedial programme which was suspended over a decade ago.
KANO FOCUS reports that the Vice Chancellor announced the plan at the 59th Congregation meeting of the university on Saturday.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted the key factors that prompted the reintroduction including the decline in enrolment in Basic Science programmes.
He said the University has observed a noticeable decrease in student enrolments in these areas, and the remedial programme is expected to address this challenge by preparing students for science-based courses.
The Vice Chancellor pointed out that many prospective students from the University’s catchment area struggle to meet entry requirements for science programmes.
The remedial programme will provide these candidates with the necessary academic support to address their deficiencies, thereby increasing their chances of gaining admission into the University.
“We appreciate your support as we work towards reinstating this vital programme, which promises to enhance the academic prospects of our students and contribute to the overall development of Bayero University, Kano,” the Vice Chancellor stated.
KANO FOCUS reports that the reintroduction of the remedial programme is seen as a strategic move to bolster academic performance and widen access to higher education for students within the University’s catchment area.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Tsakuwa Mufarka Development Association appealed to Kano state government to construct a library and renovate the science laboratory at Tsakuwa Senior Secondary School.
KANO FOCUS reports that the secretary of the association, Comrade Abdulrashid Salisu Babah made the request during 2025 budget public hearing held on Thursday.
State Assembly
According to the secretary of the association, Taskuwa Mufarka is calling on Kano state government to construct a road from Tsakuwa to Lahira, Tsakuwa to Sabon Garin Dalladi to Mazabar Gano, Tsakuwa to Mazabar Yargaya, as well as installation of two transformers.
“We are also appealing for the provision of solar-powered lights and sick bay at Tsangaya Islamiyya Boarding Primary School among others.
Kano State House of Assembly
“We pray that Allah will assist this government to make it beneficial to the community,” the association appealed.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano Pilllars will be without the services of eight key players as they prepare to face Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 clash.
KANO FOCUS reports that the encounter is scheduled for Saturday evening, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Technical Adviser Usman Shariff Abdallah has expressed concern over the absentees but remains hopeful for a strong performance.
In their previous match against Katsina United, the Sai Masu Gida missed seven first-team players, including Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa, Shehu Abdullahi, Zulkifilu Muhammed, and Sudais Ali Baba, all sidelined by injuries.
Meanwhile, club legend Rabiu Ali, Nelson Abiam and Aminu Adam Sani were on national duty with the Super Eagles home-based squad preparing for the CHAN24 playoff against Ghana.
Adding to their woes, dependable center-back Habibu Yakubu will also miss Saturday’s game due to the accumulation of five yellow cards, further depleting the squad.
This situation has left Abdallah relying on younger players, with 75% of the traveling squad comprising players promoted from the club’s youth system.
The four-times Nigerian champions are currently sits 8th on the NPFL table with 22 points from 15 matches and a game in hand.
They will aim to build on their narrow 1-0 victory over Katsina United last weekend, hoping to climb further up the standings. The match is set to kick off at 5:30 PM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
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