Benue Assembly repeals pension law for ex-govs, deputies

The Benue State House of Assembly has repealed the law which made provision for the maintenance of former governors of the state and their deputies. 

Recall that the 9th Assembly had last May passed the law which provided for a monthly stipend equivalent to the basic salary of a serving governor, same for the former deputy governors. 

Titled, "Law to Make Provisions for Maintenance of Former Elected Governors and Deputies" with provisions stipulating that a former governor and his deputy would be entitled to a maintenance allowance of N25 million and N15 million respectively every four years. 

The bill also made provision for yearly medical expenses for the erstwhile governors and their deputies; as well as six personal staff for a former governor and three for a former deputy including two vehicles for a former governor and one for a former deputy which should be replaced every four years. 

Repealing the law Monday during plenary presided by the Speaker,  Hyacinth Dajoh, the House Standing Committee Chairman on Appointments, Public Service And Pension Matters, Mr. Douglas Akya representing Makurdi South State Constituency who led the debate read out the provisions of the said law and told the House that the finances of the state would not accommodate its implementation. 

He urged his colleagues to support the repeal of the law as it was not in the interest of the state.

Contributing, the lawmaker representing Ogbadibo State Constituency, Samuel Agada said the law was anti people and needed to be repealed. 

Member representing Konshisha State Constituency, Cephas Ashwa said the law was insensitive as it was unnecessary for the State Government to continue to provide the stipulated welfare for people who served the state as governors and deputies. 

Also, the Makurdi North State Constituency representative, Berger Alfred and that of Tiev Constituency, Moses  Damkor faulted the last Assembly for passing the law. 

After listening to the contributions of members, the Speaker invited the Clerk of the House, Mr Bernard Nule to read the Bill for the third time and it was accordingly passed by the House.