By Adadareporters
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) wants ex-governors who are serving ministers in President Bola Tinubu’s government to stop receiving life pensions, exotic cars and other allowances from their states.
The affected governors are ex-Rivers governor Nyesom Wike who is now FCT minister; ex-Ebonyi governor David Umahi, now minister of Works, and Badaru Abubakar, former governor of Jigawa State, now minister of defence.
Others are Bello Matawalle (former governor of Zamfara State and minister of state for defence); Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (former governor of Osun State and minister of transportation); Simon Bako Lalong (former governor of Plateau State and minister of labour and employment); Atiku Bagudu (former governor of Kebbi State and minister of budget and economic planning); as well as Ibrahim Geidam, former governor of Yole State and minister of police of affairs.
Our correspondent reports that states of Jigawa, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Yobe, and Rivers currently implement life pensions for their respective ex-governors.
SERAP stated this in a letter of 19 August 2023, which was signed by SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The letter read, “If the ministers that the president appoints are those who collect life pensions rather than serve the public interest, then that may show little about the conduct and integrity of the ministers, but speak volumes about the exercise of presidential power of appointment.
“Nigerians will judge you in part by the conduct, integrity and honesty of the ministers that you appoint to work in your government. Ultimately, the success of your government would depend on the conduct of the ministers that you appoint.
“While many pensioners are not paid their pensions, former governors serving as ministers get paid huge severance benefits upon leaving office, and are poised to enjoy double emoluments on top of the opulence of political office holders.
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel your government to comply with our request in the public interest.”
