Kebbi Explains Position on Pensions, Gratuities for Ex-Governors
The Kebbi State Government has defended its position on pension and severance gratuity payments to former governors, insisting that its decisions are guided by constitutional provisions and applicable state laws rather than political differences or personal considerations. The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he explained the legal framework underpinning the administration’s position. He cited the 1999 Constitution and the Kebbi State Pension and Gratuity for Former Governors and Deputy Governors Law No. 11 of 2004, alongside a February 2010 directive by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission concerning benefits for former governors and deputy governors under Sections 84(5) and 124(5) of the Constitution. According to the commissioner, the relevant provisions, as interpreted by the state government, do not extend certain benefits to governors who served between 1991 and 1993. He maintained that the issue was strictly legal and should not be viewed as evidence of hostility towards former leaders. Birnin Kebbi added that Governor Nasir Idris remained committed to respecting elder statesmen and acknowledging their contributions to the development of the state.
The commissioner said the administration had demonstrated goodwill towards former leaders through financial and material assistance, support for medical trips abroad and other gestures intended to maintain cordial relationships. He also cited the naming of a hall at Government House after a former governor in 2025 and assistance in facilitating a family member’s appointment as examples of efforts to sustain good relations. He dismissed claims that Idris had deliberately avoided contact with his predecessors, stating that the governor had reached out to political leaders and former officeholders to seek their blessings and support. According to him, senior government officials and media aides had also visited former leaders at their residences to convey the governor’s greetings. Birnin Kebbi urged former governors to recognise development projects undertaken by the current administration in their communities, regardless of political affiliation, stressing that political differences should not overshadow efforts to improve citizens’ welfare. While acknowledging that criticism was essential to democratic governance, he called on public figures to support their allegations with verifiable facts. He said the government chose to clarify the matter publicly to promote transparency and understanding, reiterating that decisions on former governors’ entitlements would remain subject to applicable laws and constitutional provisions.
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