Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has graciously approved the payment of over N458 million as severance allowance to ex-political office holders in the state.
The beneficiaries, who served between 2022 and 2023 at the local government level, include former vice chairmen, secretaries, councillors, supervisors and advisers.
Addressing newsmen, on Friday, in Ado-Ekiti, at a press briefing, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Folorunso Olabode, stated that the exercise reflects the commitment of the present administration to due process, fairness and the welfare of past political office holders.
He said: “The Ekiti State Government, under the purposeful and people-oriented leadership of Governor Oyebanji has graciously approved the payment of a total sum of N458,793,096.00 as severance allowance to 396 eligible former local government political office holders whose tenures ended within the stated period.
“This payment is in line with extant laws, regulations, and approved remuneration frameworks governing public office holders in Ekiti State. It reflects the commitment of the present administration to due process, fairness, and the welfare of those who have rendered service to the state at various levels of government.
“The approval and release of these funds further demonstrate the Governor’s respect for the rule of law and his belief that obligations lawfully incurred by government must be honoured, even in the face of competing demands on public resources.
“The Ekiti State Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening local government administration, promoting industrial harmony, and ensuring that political office holders, past and present are treated with dignity and equity.
“I wish to use this opportunity to appreciate Governor Oyebanji for his compassionate leadership and unwavering support for local government administration in Ekiti State.”
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, coordinator of former councillors, Adeyinka Adewale appreciated the governor for his magnanimity, describing him as a promise keeper while declaring their unalloyed support ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.
