Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
All is now set for the distribution of severance allowance cheques to all political office holders who had served Ogun State between 2007 and 2015.
This will take place today, Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at the Arcade ground, Governor’s office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta by 11am.
The exercise will also affect political appointees who served during the first term of office of Governor Amosun between 2011 and 2015.
According to the state Governor, Mr Ibikunle Amosun, this is in furtherance of his commitment to the welfare of the people of Ogun State regardless of their political or religious leanings.
A statement signed by the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Mr Adejuwon Soyinka, explained that the sum of N1 billion has been earmarked to clear the balance of severance allowance of political appointees who served between 2007 and 2011 as well as those who served between 2011 and 2015.
The former political office holders are however not the only ones smiling to the banks during this Yuletide season.
The state government said it has also disbursed the sum of N6 billion for the payment of gratuities to pensioners covering the periods between November 2012 and January 2014.
This payment, which is already ongoing, will benefit not less than 2,429 retirees.
It should be recalled that the Governor Amosun-led administration on assumption of office in 2011 started clearing inherited backlog of gratuities from 2007 and has now paid up till January 2014.
Also not left out are the workers. He has disbursed the sum of N5.5 billion for the payment of six months arrears of outstanding cooperative deductions to all categories of the workforce at both state and local government levels in Ogun.
This is in addition to the early payment of December salaries and bonus.
In all, the Ogun State government has disbursed N12.5 billion for the payment of gratuities, cooperative deductions arrears and severance allowance of former political office holders in the state.
