Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has approved the sum of ₦2.185bn for the payment of entitlements owed to former councillors who served across the state between 2004 and 2024.
The approval followed a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Kebbi State Councillors’ Forum to the governor at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi, on Thursday.
The development was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, and made available to newsmen shortly after the meeting.
According to the statement, Governor Idris directed that part of the approved amount be paid immediately, beginning Friday, while the outstanding balance should be fully disbursed before the end of July.
The chairman of the forum, Bello Gulumbe, lauded the governor for what he described as an uncommon show of political will, saying previous administrations had neglected the former councillors despite their years of service.
He said, “Many of our members have waited for years without any hope. This gesture by the governor is historic and has rekindled our faith in the system.”
Gulumbe also pledged the support of all former councillors for the Idris-led administration, assuring that they would mobilise grassroots backing for his developmental programmes.
Meanwhile, the Kebbi Elders’ Consultative Forum has cautioned politicians and supporters in the state against inflammatory utterances and rising political tension, especially on social media.
The warning came on the heels of a recent wave of attacks and counterattacks between supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress and a coalition led by the African Democratic Congress in the state.
Acting chairman of the forum, Justice Muhammad Ambursa (retd.), who spoke on behalf of the elders, expressed concern over the “growing culture of abuse and personal attacks” among political actors.
He said, “Politics should not be a platform for insult or character assassination. It is a noble venture that must be conducted with respect, dignity, and moral uprightness.”
Ambursa urged political stakeholders in the state to promote peaceful engagement and avoid actions capable of jeopardising the relative peace enjoyed in Kebbi.
He also called for a return to core values of humility, tolerance and justice, in line with religious and cultural teachings.
