Abeokuta – Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun on Tuesday commenced the payment of severance allowances to former political office holders who served in the state between 2007 and 2011.

Presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries, Amosun said that it was only human to compensate those who had served the state.

He, however, said payment would be made in batches, adding that those who served the state for longer period would be paid first.

Governor Amosun

“We must first sort out those people who have lived their lives working for the state.

“It will be unkind not to pay these people because they deserve it and you don’t have to be a member of any party to get what is rightfully yours,” Amosun said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 200 people who had served in various capacities under the last administration benefited from the gesture.

NAN also reports that the payment ranged from N1.9 million to N3.9 million.

Mr Niyi Salako, a beneficiary and former Special Assistant on Environment to former Gov. Gbenga Daniel, thanked Amosun for his benevolence in paying the allowance.

Also speaking, Chief Tayo Ajayi, a former Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government Area, said: “We are grateful and pray that the governor will be given another chance to continue his good work.’’ (NAN)