Bauchi 2027: Tuggar links unpaid pensions, gratuities to rising insecurity, promises reform

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has attributed the rising cases of banditry and kidnapping across the country to the failure of some state governments to promptly pay gratuities and pensions to retired workers.

Tuggar, who has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Bauchi State, lamented that gratuities and pensions in the state have remained unpaid for years, leaving many affected families in hardship and distress.

“The matter of gratuity and pension is something that has been addressed in other states, and I see no reason why Bauchi State cannot do the same,” he said.

The governorship aspirant, who spoke with journalists in Bauchi on Sunday, promised that the issue would be promptly addressed if elected governor.

“We are going to ensure that it is one of the priorities we will tackle,” he said.

“Paying gratuities and pensions is important to the survival of individuals. We are beginning to witness insecurity because of failure to do so.”

“These are some of the factors that drive people into insecurity. If a pensioner can no longer care for his family or children, it is not impossible for such dependents to go into banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities. That is why this is a priority for us.”

Tuggar, who outlined his vision for the state in a 10-point agenda document, also promised to tackle youth unemployment to ensure peace and stability.

“Once we improve agriculture and support subsistence farmers, we will address a significant part of unemployment,” he said.

“We will also focus on pastoralism, mining, and local processing to create jobs. For educated youths with computer skills and vocational training, we will leverage business process outsourcing.”

He noted that countries like India had successfully created jobs through similar models.

“Many multinational companies in Europe, America, and the Middle East are outsourcing services. Young people can be trained in Bauchi to handle customer care services remotely. You don’t have to travel abroad to work. You can stay at home and earn a salary monthly,” he said.

“This can create thousands of jobs for young people in Bauchi State.”