From Desmond Mgboh, Kano
Kano State Government has begun payment of over N16 billion outstanding gratuities and allowances to former councillors and current political office holders across the 44 local government councils in the state.
The payment covers gratuity, accommodation, leave/recess, housing and furniture allowances applicable to the councillors who served between 2014 and 2024, as well as to the present elected officers.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf stressed that the payments were based on fairness. “The payment of gratuities to the former APC councillors is not a privilege but a right and a show of appreciation for their service to the state. This moment is not merely ceremonial; it symbolises our administration’s unwavering commitment to upholding dignity, fairness and accountability in public service.”
He added that members of the State Executive Council supported the decision regardless of the political backgrounds of the beneficiaries.
“It is not right to deny people their rights, especially after serving their people diligently,” he declared.
The beneficiaries were drawn from 484 wards in the 44 local government areas. They include former councillors, former vice chairmen, former chairmen, former supervisory councillors and former special advisers who completed their terms without receiving their entitlements.
“The payments are more than just financial transactions. They are an expression of our values; that service must be respected, commitments must be honoured and leadership must be accountable,” the Governor said.
He appreciated the roles played by the verification teams, finance officers, oversight committees and administrative coordinators in the process.