Group appeal to Gov. Lalong to pay death benefits

Group appeal to Gov. Lalong to pay death benefits

The children of Plateau State late Civil Servants appeal to Gov. Lalong to pay their parents death benefits accrue to them.

The children appealed to the Governor in an open letter address to HE Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong and it reads as follows:

An Open Letter to the Executive Governor of Plateau State

His Excellency,

The Executive Governor of Plateau State/Chairman Northern Governors' Forum,

Rgt. Hon. Dr Barr. Simon Bako Lalong.

RE: APPEAL FOR THE PAYMENT OF DEATH BENEFITS

We the widows and children of late civil servants who worked for the state government write to you to pay us the death benefits we are entitled to collect.

First, let us reiterate here that our parents and loved ones have diligently put in many years in service for the government of Plateau State. Years after the deaths of our soul bread winners, we have been thrown into heartwrecking, mind boggling and excruciating hardship which we felt is human induced and is totally avoidable: our children have been thrown out of schools and rendered redundant; we can not afford to pay house rents which has accumulated; to eat one score meal a day is a crucial challenge to us.

Secondly, those at the helm of affairs at the Plateau State Pension Board, Accountant General's Office and Ministry of Finance treat us with disdain and no human empathy that we disturb them alot inspite of been calm, peaceful and polite to them over the years.

Thirdly your Excellency, some times ago we heard of first and second bailouts, first and second trenches of Paris Club Refund which were to clear salary arears and gratuities/death benefits. Consequently while pensioners were given certain percentage of their gratuities, deceased families were omitted in the sharing formula. For about ten years some of us are waiting for this.

Your Excellency, you are our father. The father of the fatherless most especially. We are suffering silently and greviousy. Give us 50 percent of the entitlement and clear the remaining subsequently considering we are aware of the peculiarities of the times we are in.

Finally your Excellency, we want to send our children back to school this new academic session before they lose interest in schooling. We want to eat food so that we will not die of starvation. We want to pay house rent. Those who have health challenges can seek medical attention. We want to feel a sense of belonging in the society once again as we strive to continue to be peaceful and law abiding citizens. We are always praying for your success as the Governor of our beloved state.

Thank you your Excellency in anticipation of your prompt consideration.

Sign: Widows and orphans of deceased civil servants.