Gov. Oshiomhole scraps State Pensions Board, citing fraud

AGENE GODWIN, Benin

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has revealed how the state government uncovered fraud in pension administration in the state, saying that while some pensioners were unable to get their gratuities, others had two vouchers in their names.

He has therefore ordered the scrapping of the State Pensions Board and that a bureau will be created to oversee the payment of pensions just as he announced that the government will immediately key into Contributory Pensions Schemes as a way to stem the incidences of fraud in pension payment.

The Governor has however assured that within two weeks, Local Government pensioners will get paid as steps have been taken to ensure that henceforth, regardless of the amount of money accruing to Local Governments, they make provisions for the payment of local government pensioners.

Oshiomhole who has already sent the State Head of Service, Mr Jerry Obazele and Permanent Secretary, Information and Communications Technology Agency, Mr Dan Aigbavboa  on retirement and directed members of the State Pensions Board to report to the State Civil Service Commission for proper investigation and disciplinary action in accordance with the Civil Service Rules said: “Government is aware that quite a number of our senior citizens, particularly the ones who were in the employment of the Local Governments, covered by the Local Government Pensions Board, for some reasons have not received their pension for a couple of months.

“I need to make the point clear, because when I see their comments, it seems to state that the state government is responsible for the payment of their pensions.

“It is true that state government has some level of responsibility to supervise and watch over the conduct of local governments. However, the local governments remain the 3rd tier of government and their roles and responsibilities are fully spelt out in the Constitution.

“Since I assumed office, Edo State Government under my stewardship has never and will never interfere with the funds of local governments.

“However, following the recent sharp drop in the revenue accruing to the local governments from the federation account, many of our local governments found out that after providing for payment of teachers salary, which we consider first line charge, what they have left was hardly enough to meet their salary obligations.