The Kebbi State Government has publicly defended its decision to continue paying pensions and gratuities to the state’s former governors, asserting that the payments are mandated by both the Nigerian Constitution and applicable state legislation.
State officials said the entitlements are legally prescribed, noting that the Constitution provides for the remuneration of former governors as a matter of right, while Kebbi’s own statutes outline the specific amounts and conditions for such benefits.
According to the government’s statement, halting or altering these payments would contravene the legal framework that guarantees former governors their post‑service benefits, and could expose the state to potential litigation.
In Nigeria, former governors are entitled to a range of post‑tenure benefits, including monthly pensions, gratuities, and other allowances, a provision designed to ensure financial security after leaving office. These entitlements are uniformly applied across the country’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Kebbi administration reiterated that it remains committed to upholding the constitutional and statutory obligations, and will continue to disburse the prescribed pensions and gratuities to its ex‑governors in accordance with the law.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>