End Payment Of “Scandalous” Pension To Ex-Governors, Falana Urges States

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has called on states to abolish pension payment to former governors, noting that Nigeria can no longer afford to pay ‘scandalous’ pension.

He noted that no fewer than 20 of them are in the Senate, drawing jumbo salaries and allowances.

In a statement, Falana said many state governors voted themselves humongous pension and perks.

The senior lawyer regretted that most of the ex-governors deliberately chose not to pay the pension and gratuities of workers when they held office.

He recalled that Lagos was the first state to implement a pension law for its erstwhile governors.

Falana submitted: “The Lagos State Pension for Ex-Governors was enacted in 2007. Since then, majority of states adopted the Lagos model. But the pension laws for Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states are the most scandalous.”

He, therefore, gave details of the pension enjoyed by former governors of Lagos, Akwa Ibom and Rivers states.

The rights activist continued: “Pension for Lagos State ex-governors -Annual Basic Salary: 100 per cent of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor; Accommodation – one residential house in Lagos and another in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Transport – three cars, two back-up cars and one pilot car every three years; Furniture – 300 per cent of annual basic salary every two years. House maintenance is 10 per cent of annual basic salary.

“Domestic staff, cook, steward, gardener and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be pensionable; Medical – free medical treatment for ex-governor and members of their families (not just spouses) and two SSS operatives, one female officer, eight policemen (four each for house and personal security) for the ex-governor. Personal Assistant: 25 per cent of annual basic salary.

“Car maintenance: 30 per cent of annual basic salary. Entertainment: 10 per cent of annual basic salary; Utility: 20 per cent of annual basic salary, Drivers: Pensionable (no limit to number of drivers).”

Falana argued that the pension for Rivers and Akwa Ibom states as 100 per cent of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor and other benefits like their Lagos counterpart was humongous.

He also made reference to the judgment in suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against Attorney-General of the Federation in the case marked FHC/L/CS/1497/2017 and Alhaji Garba Umar against Taraba State Government

Equally in suit No: NICN/JOS/26/2016, the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court wherein declared as null and void the payment of pension and gratuity to former governors and deputy governors.

The SAN added: “In 2022, the Lagos State Government the 50 per cent reduction in the pension. Senators (Gbenga) Daniels and (Ibrahim) 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.”

He, therefore, urged other state governments to stop the exercise as soon as possible.