Barau Jibrin pays withheld N7m entitlements of ex-Kano municipal LG chairman

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has paid the N7 million entitlements of the former Chairman of Kano Municipal Local Government Area, Fa’izu Alfindiki, which were allegedly withheld by the Kano State Government.

The payment was made on Tuesday evening at the National Assembly, Abuja, where Senator Barau personally presented a cheque of N7 million to the former local government chairman.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau, made available to press on Wednesday, described the withholding of Alfindiki’s entitlements as unjust and contrary to democratic principles.

While presenting the cheque, the Deputy Senate President said constructive criticism remains essential to the growth and sustainability of democracy, stressing that no individual should be punished for expressing legitimate opinions or political affiliation.

“It is unfortunate that he has been denied his legitimate entitlements simply because he stood firmly with the APC and the people of our state. This is wrong, unjust, and a clear breach of freedom of speech and association,” Barau said.

He added that constructive criticism, such as that offered by Alfindiki, serves as “the lubricant of democracy”, noting that democratic governance cannot thrive in the absence of free expression.

Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, reaffirmed his commitment to fairness, justice, and the protection of democratic values.

Speaking after receiving the cheque, Alfindiki expressed gratitude to the Deputy Senate President, saying he had no regrets about speaking truth to power.

“I want to sincerely thank His Excellency, the Deputy President of the Senate, and our incoming Governor, In sha Allah, for this great opportunity and honour.

This singular act once again proves that the APC is a party to stand with and a platform worthy of our dedication and sacrifice,” he said.

Alfindiki added that he remained confident from the outset that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would support him, describing Senator Barau’s intervention as a justification of that confidence.

The development has continued to draw attention in Kano political circles, with observers describing the move as a strong statement on democratic rights and party loyalty.

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