The Rivers State Local Government Service Commission has appointed a 5man Committee to oversee Pension Matters for each of the 23 Local Government Areas in the State.
Chief Azubuike Nmerukini, Chairman of the Commission disclosed this in Port Harcourt, while addressing Heads of Local Government Administration of the Third Tier Government across the State
The Chairman explained that the setting up of the Committee was part of the Commission’s deliberate attempt to remove any iota of pain or delay in the payment of retired staff.
He said that the Pension Committee would be headed by an Administrative Officer on Salary Grade Level 13.
According to Chief Nmerukini, other members of the Committee include a senior Accountant on salary level 10, an Executive Officer on salary grade level 07, a Computer Operator and a Clerical Officer.
He therefore directed Heads of Local Government Administration of the 23 Local Government Areas to create the needed officer space and equipment, as well as finance and assist the Committee to function effectively.
The Chairman stated that the Commission would not stop at any thing to make sure that retiring staff are fairly treated and respected as people who have contributed to the development of the grass root government.
He said, “what ever seed the serving staff sow they will reap as they will one day retire and face whatever unfavourable condition they left”
Chief Nmerukini further said “as politicians, they are passengers on board while HLGAS are the drivers and stressed the need for the committee to have human feeling in handling pensions matters.
Also, speaking a member of the Commission and Chairman of Retirement Committee, Engr. Kingston Idatonye Jaja expressed optimism that the Commission would achieve the desired result of retiring staff and pensioners happiness at all times.
Jaja said that with sensitization training tour of the Commission to Local Government Areas staff are now well informed about pension issues.
Also speaking , the State President of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees NULGE, Barr Franklin Ajunwa commeneded the Commission Chairman for his special interest to facilitate the speedy payment of retirees in the Unified Local Government Service.
Barr. Ajunwa stated that the local government has an efficient system of pension payment which made NULGE to oppose the merger of the Local Govt Pension with the State. ###
Barh Ndu
