AS 186 local government staff retirees received their pensions and gratuities on Tuesday in Jalingo, Taraba State government has cautioned against misuse of the funds, such as committing such to marrying additional wives.

Special Adviser to Taraba State governor Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Honourable Bashir Marafa Abba, stated this while flagging off the 2012 payment of gratuity/pension arrears for the local government staff in Jalingo.

Presenting cheques of N222, 766 millions to retirees and next of kins of the beneficiaries, the special adviser said the Danbaba Suntai’s administration was committed to bettering the life of pensioners in the state, hence its commitment to prompt payment of their retirement benefits.

He said the state government had made its a top priority in its policy by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities in all local government areas in the state through the Local Government Pensions Board.

He urged other pensioners yet to receive their retirement benefits to be patient, assuring that the government would always be committed to payment of their retirement and death benefits, just as he commended the governor for ensuring constant release of funds for payment to beneficiaries.

Earlier, the permanent secretary, Local Government Staff Pensions board (LGSPB) Elder Angyu Simon Istifanus, called on the beneficiaries to make a judicious use of the money to better their lives.

He said the bulk payment system was based on first come basis and commended the governor and his special adviser for living to their promises.

Angyu assured that payment of pension to retirees was on going such that every retiree would receive his own no matter the delay.