Date: 2008-11-19

The Kwara State Government on Tuesday presented a cheque of over N16million each to former Governor Mohammed Sha’aba Lafiagi and a former Deputy Governor, Deacon Simeon Sayomi as arrears of their monthly pensions and gratuities. 

The arrears of monthly pensions, which covers a period of 65 months beginning from June 1st, 2003 are entitlements due to the two former public office holders in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.   

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the State Governor, Dr Bukola Saraki congratulated the two recipients for being alive to receive their grants and for meritoriously serving the state faithfully and diligently.   

Governor Saraki, who was represented by his Deputy, Chief Joel Ogundeji, disclosed that the two former leaders would forever be remembered for their contributions to the growth and development of the state during their tenures as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.   

“With what the State Government has done by this presentation, a solid foundation has been laid for successive administrations in the State to follow in respect of payment of pensions and gratuities to former public office holders”, the governor said.   

He, however, called on the two former leaders to always offer useful suggestions and advice that could help to further take the state to greater heights.  
Responding, former Governor Sha’aba Lafiagi praised the State Government for remembering those who have rendered qualitative services to their people and the state.   

Alhaji Lafiagi specifically expressed his appreciation to Dr Saraki for the kind gesture and assured him of their unflinching support and readiness to continue to offer selfless services for the progress of the state.   

He recalled that after leaving office 15 years ago, all he got from successive administrations after him was harassment and intimidation which he said, almost landed him in jail.   

The former Governor therefore thanked Dr Saraki for righting the past wrong and correcting the erroneous impression about his administration. 

Also speaking in similar vein, a former Deputy Governor, Deacon Sayomi commended the State Government for its pragmatic efforts in the areas of agriculture, eradication of cultism, Clean and Green Programme, regular payment of salaries and pensions and provision of employment opportunities among others.   

He urged the state government to rehabilitate other moribund industries in the State making reference to Matchco and Tate and Lyle which he said, would further provide employment for more youths in the State.   

Earlier, the Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed had explained that by virtue of section 124 sub-section 5 of the 1999 Constitution, both Alhaji Lafiagi and Deacon Sayomi were qualified to receive arrears of pensions for having held office within the stipulated period of 1967.
  

Billy Adedamola 

S.A Media to the Kwara State Governor

November 19, 2008