Bayelsa Pensions Board dispels rumours of collection of percentage in handling payments of gratuity of retirees
The Bayelsa State Pensions Board has refuted allegations of collection of percentage before handling graduity payments of retirees .
In a statement made available to the media by Mrs Tariworio Douglas Samson
Permanent secretary , the Board frowned at the allegation , describing it as baseless and untrue .
The statement read: “It has come to the notice of the Bayelsa State Pensions Board of allegations going around that the Board collects a certain percentage of money before gratuity is paid to retirees, the Board is emphatically refuting such allegations.
“The Bayelsa state Pension’s Board do not and has never requested for money before gratuity is paid to pensioners.
“However the Board has always discouraged retirees from patronizing agents or anyone who request for money to help process gratuity or any form of payment due pensioners in the state.
“The Board wishes to warn strongly persons parading themselves as representatives or agents of the Board to desist from such illegal acts as anyone caught will face the full brunt of the law.
“Also the Board will like to encourage media houses to investigate and confirm allegations before airing such as any attempt to tarnish the good image of the Board with unverified news will be taken up with appropriate authorities.
“The Bayelsa state pension’s board is a government establishment, and is open to answering whatever questions media houses might have.
“Further, The Board wishes to assure retirees in the state of Governor Douye Diri’s lead prosperity administrations total commitment towards the welfare of retirees in the state.
“Governor Diri is fully committed to ensuring that every retiree in the state receive their gratuity in full in due time.
This has been made evident through various policies, especially with the recent release of additional funds to further reduce the backlog of gratuity payments.
Retirees are.
however strongly advised against patronizing persons who promise to help them secure the payment of their gratuity in exchange for a certain percentage; as such persons are opportunists preying on the desperation of pensioners in the state.
“ We wish retirees in the state a very happy and Prosperous New Year.”
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