By Isaac Ukpoju
Lafia – The National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has appealed for the establishment of a separate pension bureau for its retired members in Nasarawa State.
Mr Abdullahi Abubakar, the state’s NULGE chairman made the appeal in a chat with newsmen on Thursday in Lafia.
He said the incoming administration of Engr. Abdullahi Sule should consider the establishment of a local government pension bureau as a priority in view of the hardship being experienced by LG pensioners.
According to him, the establishment of the local government pension bureau would ease the process of the payment of their pensions.
He said that NULGE would give the incoming administration in the state the necessary support and cooperation to succeed.
He also appealed to the new administration to work towards resolving and offset the salary arrears of LG staff accumulated percentage payment since 2015.
“We shall sit with the new governor after inauguration to see how we can come up with a workable solution to offset the salary arrears amicably.
“The issue of training and re-training of local government workers should be given attention to ensure greater productivity that would foster development,” he added.
He also called on the state government to support the local government autonomy being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure effectiveness of the third tier of government.
The NULGE said that autonomy would create an enabling environment for development, ensure peace and reduce crime.
“If autonomy is granted to the LG, it will reduce crime and engender peace because the chairmen will use the available resources at their disposal to attend to emergency situation and engage more unemployed youths.
“Unlike the current situation where local government chairman are at the mercy of the state to solve problems in their domain,” Abubakar said.