Benue Assembly Cancels Lifetime Pensions for Ex-Governors and Deputies

Confidence UbaniMay 27, 20241 Mins read714

The Benue State House of Assembly has repealed a controversial law that provided life pensions and extensive benefits to former governors and their deputies. The decision was made during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Chief Hyacinth Aondona Dajoh.

The repeal follows a report by Hon. Douglas Akya, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Appointment, Public Service, and Pension Matters. Akya argued that the state’s finances could not support the implementation of the law, which he described as not being in the best interest of the state. Other lawmakers agreed, calling the law anti-people and praising its repeal.

The now-repealed law, initiated by former Governor Samuel Ortom towards the end of his tenure, provided substantial benefits to former governors and their deputies. These included a monthly stipend equivalent to the salary of the serving governor and deputy governor, a one-time stipend of N40 million for former governors, and N25 million for former deputies, along with vehicles and stewards.

The law affected former governors George Akume, Gabriel Suswam, Samuel Ortom, and former deputy governors Steven Lawani and Engr Benson Abounu. The previous assembly, led by Speaker Engr. Titus Uba had passed the law just days before the end of their tenure, raising questions about the timing and intent of the legislation.

Speaker Aondona Dajoh confirmed the resolution, which marks the end-of-life pensions for former governors and their deputies in Benue State.