Bala Muhammed & his Son
An unexpected appeal from within the family of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has sparked conversations about the welfare of retired civil servants in the state.
Shamsuddeen Bala Mohammed, the governor’s son, has publicly called on his father to prioritize the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retirees, stressing that the issue deserves urgent government attention.
The appeal was made in a Facebook post titled “Bridging the Gap: A Call for a Human-Capital Focused Policy,” where Shamsuddeen acknowledged the achievements of the current administration while urging it to place greater emphasis on the welfare of citizens.
He commended the governor for the numerous infrastructure projects executed over the past seven years, including the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals, describing them as lasting investments that will benefit future generations.
However, he argued that physical infrastructure alone cannot solve the immediate economic difficulties facing many families.
According to him, “The prevailing sentiment on the ground is that while infrastructure is vital, it does not alleviate the immediate economic hardship, the struggle for daily sustenance, or the pain of families still awaiting civil service gratuities.”
He therefore urged the government to accelerate the payment of retirees’ gratuities, noting that doing so would provide relief to many elderly citizens who have waited years to receive their entitlements.
The statement has attracted public attention because it comes from the governor’s own son, a development many observers believe reflects the growing concern over the welfare of retired workers in Bauchi State.
Political analysts say the appeal highlights the need for governments to strike a balance between infrastructure development and investments in human welfare. While roads, schools, and hospitals remain essential for long-term growth, they argue that addressing the financial needs of retirees is equally important.
Across several Nigerian states, delayed gratuity payments continue to pose serious challenges for retired civil servants, many of whom depend on the benefits for their livelihoods.
As discussions continue, many residents believe Shamsuddeen’s appeal has brought renewed attention to the plight of retirees and may encourage fresh efforts toward resolving the longstanding issue of unpaid gratuities in Bauchi State.
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