Dankwambo’s N1.3b loot recovered by EFCC to settle retirees’ gratuity, pension – Gombe Gov
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has indicated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has helped his administration and the state to recover N1.3 billion from his predecessor, former Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo.
He noted that it would be diverted to settling backlogs in gratuities, pensions owed by previous governments.
Yahaya stated that his administration had upon assumption of office, launched an investigation into Dankwambo’s administration over alleged misappropriation of funds during his tenure.
Gombe Governor noted that so far the investigation which was carried out in collaboration with EFCC has led to the recovery of N1.3 billion that had been misappropriated.
He made this disclosure while speaking in Hausa, in an address during the swearing in of the newly appointed commissioners and 12 Permanent Secretaries as well as the state’s Head of Civil Service in Gombe.
Yahaya explained that his administration inherited a debt-ridden state, including huge unpaid pensions and gratuities.
He said, “We have settled over 7.9 billion naira in gratuity obligations inherited from the previous administration, ensured timely payment of pensions, and implemented the new minimum wage at the state level since February 2020. And now, thanks to the EFCC, we have successfully recovered N1.3 billion from Dankwambo, the funds will be used to continue the payment of outstanding pension and gratuities of our retired workers.”
Yahaya further added that his administration would not relent in its effort to ensure accountability and transparency as well as holding officials accountable to deter future corruption and encourage good governance practices.
While assuring of his administration’s concern on issues of pension and gratuities as well as workers’ welfare, he noted that would do more to address challenges in that regard.
“In order to cushion the harsh economic effects caused by the recent removal of fuel subsidy, we approved the payment of 10,000 naira to all workers across board pending the determination of the new national minimum wage which is being negotiated between the federal government of labour stakeholders.
“Promotions and other welfare packages are also being fully implemented with full financial benefits,” the governor said while calling on all a sundry in the state to support his administration in implementing plans to build a brighter future for the state, one that reflects and strives to actualise the dreams and aspirations of our founding fathers and wider populace,” Yahaya added.
When contacted on Tuesday 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 recovery of N1.3b said to have been looted by Dankwambo.
Oyewale said, ” You have to give me sometime to find out. I have not been briefed on that, let me find out.”
