A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have opposed a proposed bill seeking to provide pension allowances for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, describing the legislation as ill-timed and contrary to the public interest.
The coalition said the proposed Pension Allowance Bill for Former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers and Members of the Plateau State House of Assembly is inconsistent with the principles of accountable, transparent and people-centred governance, especially at a time when the state is battling economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment.
In a statement signed by the coalition’s convener, Steve Aluko, the group argued that creating additional lifetime financial benefits for former political office holders could not be justified and did not reflect the immediate needs of Plateau residents.
The coalition also criticised the legislative process, alleging that the bill passed its first and second readings on the same day without adequate scrutiny or public participation.
According to the group, the contents of the proposed legislation have not been made publicly available, denying citizens, labour unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders the opportunity to examine a bill with significant financial implications.
“The apparent absence of a public hearing for a bill with significant fiscal implications undermines transparency, weakens public confidence in the legislative process and contradicts the principles of participatory democracy,” the statement said.
The coalition called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to suspend further consideration of the bill, publish its full contents and subject it to a transparent public hearing involving citizens, labour unions, pensioners, civil society organisations, professional bodies and economic experts.
It also urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to withhold assent should the bill be transmitted in its current form.
The statement was co-signed by several organisations, including the Community Development and Rights Advocacy Foundation, Voice Connect Development Initiatives (VCDI), the Centre for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights (CAJR), and the Saphira Global Centre for Social Development.
Similarly, the Plateau State PDP condemned the proposed legislation, describing it as “self-serving, insensitive and contrary to the public interest.”
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Dr. Choji Dalyop, the PDP alleged that the bill, sponsored by the member representing Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency, Hon. Eli Ankala, was designed to create lifetime financial benefits for lawmakers at the expense of the people.
The opposition party warned that if enacted, the legislation could set a dangerous precedent by transforming public office into “an avenue for lifetime private enrichment rather than a platform for selfless public service.”
The reactions follow the passage of the bill for second reading in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
During the debate, Majority Leader, Hon. Joseph Gokum, who presented the bill, said the proposed legislation seeks to establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Service Pension Board to administer pension matters for staff of the Assembly Service in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner.
According to him, the bill is intended to provide a legal framework for the management and payment of pensions and other retirement benefits for legislative staff, particularly following the financial and administrative autonomy granted to state legislatures.
Lawmakers who contributed to the debate, including Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick (Langtang North Central) and Hon. Mathew Sylvanus Kwarpo (Mangu South), expressed support for the proposal, noting that the pension board would require qualified professionals and modern technology to effectively manage retirement benefits for Assembly employees.
The House subsequently passed the bill for second reading, paving the way for further legislative consideration.