By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Sokoto State Governor, Mr Aminu Tambuwal, has approved the release of N1.2 billion for the payment of accumulated gratuity from the year 2010 for staff of local government councils in the state.
In addition, the Governor has released the sum of N662 million as outstanding allowances due to elected representatives for council chairmen and their councillors in the 23 local government areas as well as N346,747,891 as severance gratuities to former council officials.
Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Mr Mannir Dan’Iya, who revealed this information in a statement, noted that all approved funds have been released and payments are been effected accordingly.
“If you may recall, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had earlier directed the Auditor-General for Local Governments to compute entitlements of former workers at the local government level. Now that the work has been done, payment is starting immediately.
“All former workers with genuine claims will be paid. The total money released for the accumulated gratuity for staff of local governments from the year 2010 is N1,213,125,208.22,” he disclosed.
He further said the former LG council executives are getting 50 percent of their severance entitlements, amounting to N346,747,891.
While commending the beneficiaries for their patience, Mr Dan’Iya said government will continue to make such payments as funds become available.
Dipo Olowookere 
Adedapo Adesanya