The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC said it is against plan by Governor Umar Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano state to borrow N10 billion for installing CCTV cameras.
The Kano State Chapter of NLC vehemently rejected the move.
Ganduje planned to use the billions to install CCTV cameras at five state emirate council headquarters.
The state Chairman of the congress, Kabiru Ado Minjibir, said in a statement that while the congress is not in any way against improving the security of lives and properties of its citizens, which is one of the sole responsibilities of the government, “we are of the opinion that, in the face of over N27 billion outstanding retirees’ benefits, such a step amounts to robbing Peter to pay Paul.”
The NLC said “providing CCTV in the name of improving security is curative, while payment of gratuity and other retirees’benefits is preventive, taking into consideration the multiplier effects.”
He said, though, the Congress is not unaware that, the liability was inherited by the incumbent government from the previous administrations since the commencement of the contributory pension scheme in 2007 largely due to the non-remittance of monthly contributions by some agencies of government, it is time for the incumbent administration to do the right thing in order to make a difference in the spirit of its change mantra.
”Indeed, pensioners and workers of Kano State will never forget any administration that settles this menace once and for all. It is based on the aforementioned that we wish to appeal to His Excellency the Executive Governor to make a case to the State House of Assembly for their assent to secure another loan to settle the outstanding Gratuity and other retirees’ benefits in the best interest of justice and humanitarian consideration,” Minjibir added.
“In fact, what is good for the goose is also good for the gander. We are hopeful and optimistic that His Excellency would consider this our ‘save our souls’ submission in view of the multiple positive stepthe Government will provide.”
