Rédaction Africa Links 24 with News Desk
Published on 2024-03-25 21:48:05
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has commended the Abia House of Assembly and Governor Emmanuel Otti for revoking the pension law for ex-governors and deputies. This move has been described as a step in the right direction by the State PDP Chairman, Philip Aivoji.
Aivoji, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, urged the Lagos State government to follow Abia’s example for the best interest of the state. The Abia Assembly recently passed a bill to stop payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state. The bill was titled “A Bill (H.A.B 11:) for a Law to Revoke The Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Matters connected therewith.”
Governor Otti signed the bill into law, stating that it was part of the efforts made to promote good governance in the state. Aivoji praised the decision, noting that while a few states had moved to repeal such laws granting pensions to ex-governors and deputies, many states had been indifferent about it.
He expressed his disapproval of the practice of ex-governors and deputies continuing to enjoy benefits after their tenures. Aivoji emphasized that such actions were inappropriate, especially during times of economic hardship and suffering among the populace. He lauded Abia for repealing the law and encouraged other state assemblies, especially Lagos, to follow suit.
The PDP Chairman further commended Otti for standing up for the people and signing the bill into law. He suggested that if other states adopted similar measures, the cost of governance would decrease, allowing more resources to be channeled towards citizens’ welfare and infrastructure development.
Aivoji insisted that former governors and deputies should not receive any pension benefits once their tenures had ended. He referenced the action taken by the Lagos State House Assembly in passing a bill to repeal the law granting such benefits. The proposed amendment sought to reduce the benefits and emoluments of former governors and political office holders by 50 per cent.
In conclusion, the PDP in Lagos State supports the revocation of pension laws for ex-governors and deputies and encourages other states to follow Abia’s example. By eliminating such benefits, state governments can redirect resources towards improving the lives of their citizens and developing essential infrastructure. This commitment to good governance and fiscal responsibility is essential for building a more equitable and prosperous society.
Read the original article on DailyNigerian.com
