Kebbi Government Defends Pension Policy for Former Governors, Cites 2004 Law

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 state legislation rather than political differences or personal considerations.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture, Alhaji Yakubu Birnin Kebbi, stated this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi, where he explained the administration’s position on the entitlements of former political officeholders.

The commissioner 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 framework guiding the government’s position on pension and severance benefits.

He also referred to a February 2010 directive by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) concerning pensions and gratuities for former governors and deputy governors under Sections 84(5) and 124(5) of the Constitution.

According to him, the state government’s interpretation of the relevant provisions is that certain benefits do not extend 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 lack of respect for former leaders, stressing that Governor Nasir Idris remained committed to honouring elder statesmen and acknowledging their contributions to the development of Kebbi State.

Birnin Kebbi said the administration had demonstrated goodwill towards former political officeholders through financial and material assistance, support for medical trips abroad and other gestures intended to sustain 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 efforts by the administration to maintain positive relations with former leaders.

The commissioner also dismissed suggestions that Governor Idris had deliberately avoided communicating 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 visited former leaders at their residences to convey the governor’s greetings and promote continued cordial relations.

Birnin Kebbi urged former leaders to recognise development projects undertaken by the Idris administration in their communities, irrespective of political affiliation.

He said political disagreements 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 allegations against the government were supported by verifiable facts and presented fairly.

He explained that the administration would have preferred to address the issues privately but considered a public clarification necessary to promote transparency, accountability and public understanding.

The commissioner reiterated that the government’s decisions on pensions and severance benefits would continue to be guided by applicable constitutional and statutory provisions.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to respecting former leaders and elder statesmen, regardless of their political affiliations, while calling for constructive engagement and responsible public discourse.