Why I paid N15bn as gratuities to former Kano LG councillors – Yusuf

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has explained why he decided to pay severance gratuity, accommodation and leave allowances to former Local Government councillors who served between 2021 and 2024 and were elected under the administration of his predecessor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Yusuf spoke on Wednesday while supervising the final batch of the payments of severance gratuity, accommodation and leave allowances to 1,371 former Local Government councillors at a ceremony was held at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano.

The Governor’s gesture resolved all outstanding liabilities owed to the former councillors who served under the Ganduje’s administration in the state.

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.

He expressed gratitude to God for granting him the opportunity to fulfil the promise, noting that the completion of the payment exercise marked a significant milestone for his administration.

According to him, with the release of the final tranche, all financial obligations and backlog owed to former Local Government councillors have been settled.

He further disclosed that over ₦8 billion was disbursed in the final tranche, bringing the total amount paid to the former councillors to over ₦15 billion.

He said 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 has adopted people-oriented policies, aimed at ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach to 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.

Governor Yusuf, however, 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.