Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged all former governors now in the ninth Senate to “publicly commit to stop collecting pensions from their states while they serve as senators, return ‘pensions’ already collected to the public treasury, and push for the abolition of double emoluments laws for former governors and deputies in their states.”
Several of the 36 states have enacted pension-for-life laws for former governors and deputies. Among former governors in the ninth Senate that will enjoy such pensions are two ex-governors Abia State, Orji Kalu, and his successor, Theodore Orji; former governor Ebonyi State Sam Egwu; former governor Imo State Rochas Okorocha; former governor Ogun State Ibikunle Amosu; and former governor Gombe State, Danjuma Goje.
SERAP in a statement today by its deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare said: “As members of the ninth Senate resume Tuesday, there is a lot at stake. The leadership and members must now take meaningful steps to improve citizens’ trust and confidence in the Senate’s authority and ability to positively impact on their lives, by embracing the values of transparency, accountability, responsibility, solidarity, and respect for human rights.”
SERAP said: “Nigeria deserves a Senate that is fully committed to transparency, accountability, the rule of law, proper management of public resources, and human rights. It’s time for the leadership and members of the Senate to show the commitment and courage to end double pay for former governors among them.”