Bayelsa releases N300m for pension arrears

The Bayelsa Government has released N300m for payment of arrears of gratuity and pension to retired civil servants in the state, the Head of Service, Sir Fraser Okuoru, announced on Friday.

Okuoro made the announcement at the end of the State Executive Council meeting in Yenagoa.

He said the government had previously paid N1.5bn to the pensioners, adding that the fresh amount had brought the total sum paid to N1.8bn.

He appealed to pensioners to exercise patience, noting that they would be paid their full entitlements in due course.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Education, Chief Salo Adikumo, said government had disbursed N55m for the purchase of science equipment for junior and senior secondary schools in the state.

He said the items would enable students prepared for their forthcoming WAEC and NECO examinations.

Adikumo, who expressed displeasure over the collection of examination fees by principals of secondary schools, warned those involved to desist or be sanctioned.

“I have heard reports severally that some principals in some of the local government areas still collect WAEC and NECO fees,” he said.

He said government had disbursed N312m for payment of WAEC and NECO fees for its students.