Following an embarrassing protest by victims of the 2011 post-election violence earlier in the week, the Federal Government on Saturday announced the release of N3 billion as compensation for them.
Their compensation is coming four years after the incident and just few weeks to the 2015 general elections.
The victims from Kaduna State had protested alleged abandonment by the government and they threatened to boycott the election.
They also said other victims from other states had been compensated and that despite the fact that the report had been released to the government, nothing had been done concerning their case.
Vice President Namadi Sambo who spoke concerning it at the 40th coronation anniversary of the Emir of Zazzau, Shehu Idris, said the money was ready, had been released and would soon be disbursed to beneficiaries in Kaduna State.
The event was held at the Emir’s palace, Zaria, Kaduna State.
Represented by Governor Muktar Yero of Kaduna State, Sambo said the money had been given to the state government and that it would soon be distributed.
He congratulated the Emir for attaining 40 years on the throne, adding that the success recorded by the Emirate was due to patience, fairness, justice and truthfulness while advising all candidates and electorate in the forthcoming elections not to see the exercise as a do-or-die affair.
On his part, Governor Yero disclosed that the 2015 budget in the state was to complete all ongoing projects since his government would not want any abandoned projects.
He said his administration would pay more attention to construction of link roads to facilitate easy transportation of farm produce to various markets across the state.
Chairman of the occasion and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, commended the Emir for supporting government policies and programmes in addition to promoting the nation’s cultural heritage.
While speaking at the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, urged traditional rulers to be mindful of the responsibilities vested on them by God adding that leaders must work for the people.
“We must ensure that our people live a life worthy of living and we must fear God Almighty in all we do,” the Emir said.
“We must endeavour to speak the truth and not allow what happened in 2011 to happen again. Remember, Islam hinges on peace, justice, equity and fairness to all.
“Therefore, as Emirs we must promote such attitudes. There can never be peace without justice, equity and fairness.”
The celebrant, thanked God Almighty for sparing his life to witness the memorable and historic occasion. He also thanked all the past governors of Kaduna State for their support and cooperation toward the development of the emirate in particular and the state as a whole while urging leaders to continue to preach peace.
