Governor Francis Nwifuru on Thursday ordered the immediate payment of gratuities to retirees in Ebonyi State.

Nwifuru made this known through the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, who briefed newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting that took place in the new Government House, Centenary City, Abakaliki.

According to him: “Council approved the immediate commencement of payment of gratuity to retirees from tomorrow, with a release of the sum of N3,851,763,617.65. It was found out that the total of eligible beneficiaries (retirees) at present is 1,715, which amounted to the approved sum at council deliberations.”

He further declared the government’s readiness to commence the distribution of palliatives to mitigate the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the people of the state.

“Plans have reached an advanced stage for the distribution of over 100,000 bags of rice and other materials to vulnerable households in the state. Council charged the committee to hasten arrangements for the immediate distribution of the palliative,” he stated.