The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, has paid the withheld entitlements of the former Chairman of Kano Municipal Local Government Area of Kano State, Fa’izu Alfindiki, following actions allegedly taken by the State Government.
In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, he disclosed that Senator Barau presented a cheque of N7 million to the former local government chairman on Tuesday evening in Abuja.
The cheque was handed over at the National Assembly complex, where Senator Barau condemned the denial of Alfindiki’s entitlements by Kano State Government, describing it as unjust and undemocratic.
“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,” Senator Barau said.
He added that constructive criticism remains essential to democratic governance.
“Constructive criticism, like that of Fa’izu Alfindiki, is the lubricant of democracy. Without it, this system of government will not flourish,” said Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
In his response, Alfindiki expressed gratitude to the Deputy President of the Senate, stating that he had no regrets about speaking the truth to the Kano State Government.
“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 noted that he was confident from the onset that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would support him.
“From the moment this incident happened, I was confident that the APC would stand by me. Today, that confidence has been justified. The Deputy President of the Senate has stood up for me, and for that, I am deeply grateful,” he added.
