• NLC, CSOs, reject proposal,plan siege on assembly By Golok Nanmwa, JOS A bill seeking to grant pensions and retirement benefits to former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly has triggered widespread outrage, with the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, civil society organisations, CSOs, and concerned citizens describing the proposal as self-serving and insensitive amid the state’s economic and security challenges. Leaders of NLC, their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC and CSOs allies have hinted of possible siege on the Assembly complex on July 30, if the bill is not withdrawn. The controversial bill, sponsored by the member representing Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency, Eli Ankala, passed second reading during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by the Speaker, Daniel Nanlong. The proposed legislation seeks to establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Pension Board to administer pensions, maintain records of beneficiaries and strengthen accountability in pension administration. Presenting the bill, Ankala said the proposed law would create a transparent and structured pension system for former lawmakers while eliminating ghost pensioners through proper documentation, effective data management and regular verification.”The establishment of the Pension Board would strengthen the administration of pension matters through proper documentation of beneficiaries, effective data management and regular verification to prevent irregularities,” Ankala said. He added that the legislation would ensure eligible former lawmakers receive their retirement benefits “in an orderly, transparent and accountable manner” while providing a legal framework for pension administration. However, no sooner had the bill scaled second reading when criticism began pouring in from different quarters, with many arguing that lawmakers should focus on addressing insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship instead of creating additional financial benefits for political office holders. The controversy took another twist when the Minority Leader of the House, Dewan Gabriel, publicly distanced himself from the bill despite reports linking him to its sponsorship. In a disclaimer, Gabriel said he neither initiated nor supported the proposed legislation. “At no time did I initiate, endorse or authorise any legislation aimed at granting lifetime pension to members or principal officers of the House. “To my surprise, my name was listed as a co-sponsor without my knowledge, consent or authorisation.” He maintained that his legislative priorities remained focused on transparency, accountability and initiatives capable of improving the lives of the people of Plateau State. NLC rejects bill The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Plateau State also rejected the proposed legislation, describing it as ill-conceived, insensitive and unacceptable. Speaking with Vanguard, the Plateau State Chairman of NLC, Eugene Manji, accused lawmakers of pursuing personal interests when residents expected them to enact laws capable of addressing the state’s pressing economic and security challenges. According to him, the Assembly should concentrate on making laws that improve the welfare of the people rather than seeking lifetime benefits for elected officials who spend only a few years in office. “It is a very unfortunate situation. People expect lawmakers to make policies that will improve the economy, strengthen peace and security, and improve the lives of citizens. Instead, they are wasting their time on something they have no business doing. “A worker who has served the state for many years retires with very little, yet someone who spends just one term in the House of Assembly wants to receive a lifetime pension. “What some lawmakers spend in one week is more than the total retirement benefits of many workers. Our position is very clear. We reject the proposal. We are prepared to resist it. Let them go ahead and see what will happen. We cannot allow such a law to stand.” CSOs demand suspension On its part, a coalition of 21 civil society organisations also rejected the proposed legislation, describing it as ill-timed, self-serving and inconsistent with the principles of accountable governance. The coalition argued that Plateau State required policies that promote economic growth, strengthen public services and improve citizens’ welfare rather than legislation perceived to prioritise the interests of a few political office holders. In a statement by its Convener, Steve Aluko, the coalition expressed concern over the speed with which the bill passed through the House and alleged that the process lacked sufficient public engagement. According to the coalition, the contents of the bill had not been made available to citizens, labour unions, profes
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