Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has approved payment of another N1 billion to defray gratuity arrears of retired local government workers.

The state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Amidu Takuro, said this on Wednesday during an interview with journalists in his office in Akure.

The approval is coming a month after the second tranche of such payment was made to some retired local government workers.

“In continuation of the gradual bulk defrayment of gratuity for local government and primary school teachers’ retirees, the Ondo State Government is set to complete payment of 2012 and flag off defrayment of 2013 on Friday.

“Being a government that is sensitive to the plight of the people, the Aiyedatiwa-led administration has decided to pay the gratuities of retirees en bloc, rather than paying piece meal.

“Gov. Aiyedatiwa has approved another N1 billion within a month of payment of the 2nd tranche, which was paid just last month because the government is determined to offset the backlog of gratuities owed to local government retirees,” he stated.

The commissioner reiterated the governor’s commitment to make the payment of retirees’ gratuities in the state quarterly.

Mr Takuro stated that the state governor had been alive to his responsibilities as regards payment of pensions, salaries of workers and other entitlements.

He promised that the governor would not fail the people of the state, urging retirees and the entire state workforce to give the governor their unflinching support.

 (NAN)