The Gombe State Government has announced the recovery of N1.3bn from the former governor of the state, Ibrahim Dankwambo, following an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
According to Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, the money will be used to pay the pension and gratuity arrears of retired workers in the state.
The governor made this known on Thursday at the swearing-in ceremony of new commissioners, permanent secretaries and the Head of Civil Service.
He said his administration had inherited a debt-ridden state, including huge unpaid pensions and gratuities.
He said, “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.”
He added that his administration was committed to ensuring accountability, transparency and good governance in the state. He also revealed that the government would pay N10,000 to all workers across the board to cushion the effects of the recent removal of fuel subsidy.
“Promotions and other welfare packages are also being fully implemented with full financial benefits,” he said.
The former governor, Dankwambo, who served from 2011 to 2019, had earlier been advised by his predecessor, Bukola Saraki, to prepare for EFCC visits after leaving office.
