From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Former councillors, who served in the 16 local government areas of Kwara State, between 2013 and 2016, have appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to intervene in the payment of their outstanding severance allowances and other entitlements.
The former lawmakers, under the aegis of the Forum of Ex-Councillors, Kwara State Chapter, expressed concern over what they described as years of neglect and unfulfilled promises despite their continued loyalty to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The appeal was contained in a press statement signed by the forum’s Chairman, Hon. Oloyede Emmanuel, and Secretary, Hon. Ganiyu Lawal.
The group said its members had served at the grassroots level between 2013 and 2016, contributing to democratic governance and development in their respective local government areas.
Related News
However, they lamented that their severance allowances and other outstanding entitlements had remained unpaid since the expiration of their tenure, despite several appeals, written representations and peaceful engagements with relevant authorities.
The former councillors urged AbdulRazaq to use his good offices to address their plight, noting that many of the affected members were grappling with serious financial and health challenges.
“Your Excellency, we have been patient, loyal and understanding with this administration for over seven years, believing in your mantra of ‘Iseya’ and your commitment to justice and the welfare of all Kwarans,” the statement read.
The forum said its members had continued to mobilise support for the APC, participate in political activities and defend the party at various levels despite their unresolved grievances.
It expressed disappointment that no concrete action had been taken to settle the outstanding entitlements despite years of waiting and repeated assurances.
The group also disclosed that some of its members had died, while others were battling illnesses and poverty, describing their situation as distressing for individuals who had previously served the state in elected public offices.
It, therefore, called on the governor to treat the appeal as urgent and direct the immediate payment of the outstanding entitlements.
The former councillors also urged the state government to extend to them the same consideration they said had been given to former political office holders in other states and other categories of political appointees.
In a development that could have political implications for the ruling party, the forum disclosed that opposition parties had been approaching its members with offers of political realignment.
However, it said they had continued to resist such overtures in the hope that AbdulRazaq would address their grievances.
“Other political parties who are aware of our plights are seriously wooing us, and we are seriously resisting the temptation because this is our home and we have a listening leader who cares for his followers,” the statement said.
The forum maintained that its appeal was not intended to undermine the APC-led administration but to draw attention to a longstanding issue that required the governor’s personal intervention.
It expressed hope that AbdulRazaq would respond positively and demonstrate his administration’s commitment to fairness, justice and the welfare of those who had served the state in public office.
The former councillors reaffirmed their loyalty to the APC, urging the governor to settle their outstanding entitlements and prevent the prolonged delay from eroding their confidence in the party.
