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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has paid the final tranche of the N8.234 billion severance gratuity, accommodation and leave allowances to 1,371 former local government councillors who served between 2021 and 2024.
The payments according to Governor Yusuf, Wednesday, at Government House, Kano, has brought to an end all outstanding liabilities owed to them by the state government.
There were cheers, sounds of accomplishment and dance of victory by the former Councillors who had forgotten about their dues since 2021.
Governor Yusuf, recalled that during the previous disbursement of councillors’ gratuities, he had assured beneficiaries that the final tranche would be paid before the end of 2025, saying, “today you can see that we have not only fulfilled our promises but settled everything we owed you”.
Governor Yusuf expressed gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to fulfill the promise, noting that the completion of the payment marked a significant milestone for his administration.
He stated that with the release of the final tranche, all financial obligations to former local government council members had been fully settled.
He disclosed that over ₦8 billion was disbursed in the final tranche, bringing the total amount paid to the former councillors to over ₦15 billion. According to the governor, the exercise was a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to social justice, fairness and the welfare of citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that his government had adopted people-oriented policies aimed at ensuring that the dividends of democracy reaches the grassroots.
He described the payment of gratuities and allowances as a way of honouring public service, adding that it would serve as a morale booster to those currently serving in various capacities across the state.
The governor thanked the former councillors for their contributions to grassroots governance during their tenure and commended them for their patience while awaiting the settlement of their entitlements.
He also expressed appreciation to public servants and relevant officials who worked collaboratively to ensure the successful completion of the exercise.
The ALGON Chairperson, Hajiya Saadatu Yusha’u described the settlement of the liabilities as a sign of commitment by the Abba Kabir Yusif led administration to fulfillment of its campaign promises.
The event was attended by top government functionaries, senior civil servants and representatives of the beneficiaries, who lauded the administration for fulfilling its commitment and prioritising the welfare of public office holders.
Gov Yusuf pays off debt of N8.234bn gratuity to 1,371 ex-councillors
