By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
A retired Permanent Secretary in Taraba State, Umar Mohammed Abdul, has called on pensioners across the state to actively participate in politics as a means of contributing to good governance and driving overall development.
Speaking with journalists in Jalingo, Abdul, a former career Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, emphasized that retirees possess a wealth of experience that can significantly enhance leadership and policy-making if properly harnessed within the political space.
He cautioned that by remaining passive and allowing less experienced individuals to dominate governance, pensioners inadvertently create room for poor leadership and underperformance.
According to him, emerging political dynamics ahead of the 2027 general elections suggest a gradual shift from manipulation to more realistic and people-driven processes.
He urged pensioners to seize this opportunity to showcase their competence, experience, and track records.
Abdul further stressed that governance extends beyond civil service experience, noting that it requires the ability to make timely and informed decisions for the benefit of society.
“As individuals who have witnessed both past and present realities, pensioners must rise and actively engage in the political process to address the numerous challenges confronting the nation,” he said.
The former Permanent Secretary, however, expressed concern over the welfare of pensioners in Taraba State, lamenting what he described as inadequate financial support and neglect.
He noted that despite multiple salary increments for serving civil servants, including the recent N70,000 minimum wage, pensioners have not benefited from corresponding adjustments, contrary to existing legal provisions.
He maintained that pension and gratuity matters are constitutional obligations rather than political considerations, stressing that any review of workers’ salaries should automatically reflect in pension adjustments.
Abdul also appealed to the state government to sustain and expand efforts in settling outstanding gratuities and improving pension payments.
While acknowledging the release of N5 billion by Governor Agbu Kefas to address gratuity arrears, he expressed concern that the payment process was not sustained.
“We appreciate the initial steps taken by the government, but the process appears to have stalled. It is our hope that the administration will fulfill its promises by ensuring continuous payment of gratuities and improved pension welfare,” he stated.
Highlighting the political relevance of pensioners, Abdul noted that they represent a significant voting bloc across the state, with thousands of families capable of influencing electoral outcomes.
He added that improved welfare and consistent engagement with pensioners could translate into substantial political support.
In a related remark, another pensioner and former Director at the Taraba State Printing Press, Malam Zakari Ishak Abaka, underscored the numerical strength and influence of pensioners in the state.
He noted that their collective support could play a decisive role in future elections, particularly if their welfare concerns are adequately addressed.
Both retirees emphasized the need for inclusive governance and urged political leaders to prioritize the well-being of pensioners as a critical segment of society.
