BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU
ABUJA—FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, Thursday, approved the release of N1 billion as benefits and entitlements for 136 staff of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, who were compulsorily retired from service in the last seven years.

The minister regretted the court action by the former staff of the FCT Administratio; saying that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration was based on reciprocal respect and, therefore, recognised the rights of all Nigerians.

He said the FCT Administration decided not to appeal the judgment because the administration believed in justice and equity.

The minister directed that all the entitlements of the 75 former staff who went to court as well as others be settled but spread  between 2011 and 2012 fiscal years.

Mohammed said N400 million was earmarked in this year’s budget for the purpose, adding that the balance will be handled in next year’s budget.

The minister urged them to understand the predicament of the FCT Administration; remarking that government was dynamic.

He, however, noted that his administration will permanently resolve the inherited problem to the satisfaction of all aggrieved persons.

After observing a minute silence over the death of  seven former staff that lost their lives from August 24, 2004, when they were compulsorily retired to date, Senator Mohammed directed that a dinner be organized in the honour of the retirees by the end of the year.

Responding on behalf of the retirees, Mr. Pius Apugwu, thanked the Minister for his kind gesture and compassionate approach to resolving the lingering issue which had passed through three previous FCT administrations.