February 26, (THEWILL) – Former councillors of the 7th Assembly in Benue State have appealed to Governor Hyacinth Alia to settle their outstanding severance entitlements amounting to N644,742,440, nearly three years after leaving office.
The councillors, who vacated their positions in June 2022, lamented that despite their service, they were yet to receive their rightful benefits.
“Your Excellency, it has been almost three years since we left office without being paid our severance entitlements, which total N644,742,440,” the group stated in a letter addressed to the governor.
Speaking on behalf of the affected officials, Hon. Fater Moor, a former Majority Leader of the Vandeikya Legislative Council, detailed the breakdown of the outstanding payments: N64.4 million owed to 23 Legislative Leaders, N55.89 million to Deputy Leaders, while other councillors are collectively owed N524.45 million.
The forum pleaded with Governor Alia to intervene urgently, noting that only he has the constitutional authority to authorize the payment.
“Your Excellency, we humbly seek your prompt intervention. Civil servants and pensioners are already receiving their entitlements; we, too, deserve our dues. Let the burden on the 7th Assembly councillors be lifted,” Moor stated.
He expressed optimism that the governor would authorise the payments before Easter, enabling the former councillors to address their financial challenges and support their families.
