Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on President Bola Tinubu to put an end to the ongoing collection of life pensions and allowances by former governors who are now serving as ministers in his administration.
The organization has also urged the President to demand the immediate repayment of any pension and allowances that these ex-governors may have received since leaving their gubernatorial positions, directing them to return the funds to the public treasury.
Among the former governors turned ministers under Tinubu’s administration are Badaru Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Bello Matawalle, Adegboyega Oyetola, David Umahi, Simon Lalong, Atiku Bagudu, and Ibrahim Geidam.
In an official letter dated August 19, 2023, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization cited constitutional and international legal provisions to argue that appointing former governors who are beneficiaries of life pensions as ministers is implicitly unconstitutional and against the country’s international obligations.
The letter also highlighted the economic strain on the country and the need to prioritize public interest over individual political benefits.
SERAP emphasized that the actions of the appointed ministers could significantly influence public perceptions of the government’s conduct and integrity.
The organization further revealed that many pensioners remain unpaid while former governors turned ministers are granted substantial severance benefits and continue to receive pensions.
SERAP called for President Tinubu’s intervention within 7 days and warned that if there is no response, the organization will consider legal action to compel the government’s compliance.
The organization stressed that ending life pensions for former governors turned ministers aligns with the President’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness, and equity, as well as with the UN Convention against Corruption and the Nigerian Constitution.
AGS NEWS 