Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has urged the cessation of pension payments to former governors, criticizing the contrast between their benefits and the neglected pensions of former state workers.
Falana questions the logic behind senators, who were once governors, continuing to receive pensions for their gubernatorial roles.
Falana who chairs the Alliance on Surviving Covid-19 and Beyond (ASCAB) particularly highlights the pension laws of Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States as the “most scandalous,” referencing legal cases that have deemed such payments null and void.
He stated that in Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) v Attorney-General of the Federation (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1497/2017 and Alhaji Garba Umar v Taraba State Government (Suit No: NICN/JOS/26/2016), the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court declared the payment of pensions and gratuities to former governors and deputy governors null and void.
Falana said, “In 2022, the Lagos State Government announced the 50 percent reduction in the pension. Senators Daniel and Dankwambo have directed the Governments of Ogun and Gombe to stop paying them the pension since they are receiving salaries and allowances in the National Assembly.
“The Governments of Kwara, Imo and Zamfara States have abolished the payment of the pension. We call on other state Governments to abolish the pension as soon as possible. Nigeria can no longer afford to pay scandalous pension to ex-governors while workers are owed arrears of meagre pension. Therefore, the pension laws applicable to other public officers should also apply to all ex-governors.”
Ada Peter
