Muhammadu Yahaya, the Governor of Gombe State, has announced a significant development in the state’s financial recovery efforts. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) played a pivotal role in helping the state recover a substantial sum of N1.3 billion from the previous administration under Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.
During the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed commissioners, 12 permanent secretaries, and the state’s Head of Civil Service in Gombe, Governor Yahaya provided insight into the recovered funds. He emphasized that the retrieved N1.3 billion would be dedicated to addressing a pressing concern in the state – the backlog of unpaid gratuities and pensions from previous governments.
Upon taking office, Governor Yahaya’s administration initiated an investigation into the financial dealings during Dankwambo’s tenure. This probe, conducted in collaboration with the EFCC, successfully led to the recovery of the misappropriated funds. The Governor expressed his commitment to ensuring that these resources are put to good use in alleviating the pension and gratuity challenges that have lingered for too long in Gombe State.
Yahaya explained that his administration inherited an indebted state, including huge unpaid pensions and gratuities.
He stated, “We have settled over N7.9bn in gratuity obligations inherited from the previous administration; we ensured timely payment of pensions and implemented the new minimum wage at the state level since February 2020. Now, thanks to the EFCC, we have successfully recovered N1.3bn from Dankwambo; the funds will be used to continue the payment of outstanding pension and gratuities of our retired workers.”
Yahaya added that his administration would not relent in its effort to ensure accountability and transparency as well as hold officials accountable to prevent corruption and encourage good governance.
He said to cushion the harsh economic effects caused by the recent removal of fuel subsidy, he had approved the payment of N10,000 to all workers across the board pending the determination of the new national minimum wage being negotiated between the Federal Government and labor unions.
“Promotions and other welfare packages are also being fully implemented with full financial benefits,” the governor said while calling on the people of the state to support his administration.
When contacted by our correspondent to confirm the governor’s disclosure, EFCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Dele Oyewale, said he was yet to be briefed on the fund recovery. “You have to give me some time to find out; I have not been briefed on that. Let me find out,” he stated.
