By: Odeh Favour
The Kebbi State Government has defended its position on the payment of pensions and severance gratuities to former governors, asserting that its actions are strictly guided by constitutional provisions and state legislation.
The government stated that its decisions on the matter were strictly governed by the applicable legal framework rather than political differences or personal considerations.
The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he explained the administration’s position on the entitlements of former political officeholders.
He cited the 1999 Constitution and the Kebbi State Pension and Gratuity for Former Governors and Deputy Governors Law No. 11 of 2004 as the legal frameworks guiding the state’s stance on pension and severance benefits.
The commissioner also referred to a February 2010 directive by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission concerning pensions and gratuities for former governors and deputy governors under Sections 84(5) and 124(5) of the Constitution.
According to him, the relevant provisions, as interpreted by the state government, do not extend certain benefits to governors who served between 1991 and 1993.
“The issue of entitlement is a matter of law and not a reflection of personal animosity or political differences,” the commissioner said.
He maintained that the government’s position should not be interpreted as a disregard for former leaders, stressing that Governor Nasir Idris remained committed to respecting elder statesmen and recognizing their contributions to the development of the state.
The commissioner said the administration had continued to demonstrate goodwill towards former leaders through financial and material assistance, support for medical trips abroad, and other gestures aimed at maintaining cordial relationships.
He 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 the administration’s efforts to sustain cordial relations.
He added that political differences should not overshadow efforts to improve citizens’ welfare and promote development across the state.
“Political differences should not overshadow efforts aimed at improving the lives of citizens and strengthening relationships among leaders,” he said.
While acknowledging that criticism was an essential part of democratic governance, the commissioner urged public figures to ensure that their allegations were supported by verifiable facts and presented fairly.
He explained that the government would have preferred to address the issues privately, but considered a public clarification necessary to promote transparency, accountability, and public understanding.
The commissioner further dismissed suggestions that Governor Idris had deliberately avoided maintaining contact with his predecessors.
According to him, the governor had reached out to political leaders, including former officeholders, to seek their blessings and support during his political journey.
He added that senior government officials and media aides had also visited former leaders at their residences to convey the governor’s greetings and encourage continued cordial relationships.
The commissioner urged former leaders to acknowledge development projects undertaken by the Idris administration in their communities, regardless of political affiliation.
He reiterated that the administration’s decisions on pensions and severance benefits would continue to be guided by applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.
He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to respecting former leaders and elder statesmen, irrespective of their political affiliations, while calling for constructive engagement and responsible public discourse.
