Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has presented cheques worth over N300 million as payment of severance allowance to 103 aides of his predecessor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel.
The governor at the event, held at the Arcade Ground, Governor's Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta yesterday, noted that the gesture was not politi...cally motivated but a way of rewarding the people who have served the state meritoriously, adding that governance is all about the people.
No fewer 60 beneficiaries, who served at the state level and 43 others who served in the Local Government Areas received cheques ranging from N1.9 million to N3.9million.
"This is not about politics. We believe that irrespective of our political leanings, what binds us together is Ogun State and the interest of the people must readily be in our minds when we act or speak," he stated.
Amosun noted that the his insistence to pay bulk sums to the beneficiaries was responsible for the delay coupled with governments commitment to pay the over N11 billion backlog of allowances inherited from the previous administration, out of which he disclosed N4 billion has already been paid.
One of the beneficiaries, Special Adviser, Environment to the erstwhile governor between 2008 and 2011, Bashorun Niyi Salako, while thanking the governor said the gesture by the Amosun-led administration was timely and magnanimous, commending the governor for his unprecedented developmental strides.
"I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the governor for this kind and timely gesture. It is the first of its kind and his strides in areas of development and infrastructure are distinct," he added.
Former Chairman, Ogun Waterside Local Government Council, Mr. Tayo Ajayi said the occasion was rare one, noting that no government has ever paid the severance allowance in a bulk sum.
According to him, in the past, meagre amounts were paid instalmentally, thus beneficiaries were not able to put the money into judicious use.
Political office holders, who serve the state for at least three years are entitled to a severance package at the end of their tenure and it is calculated based on their monthly salary while in office.