SERAP hails Saraki on single pay for former state governors

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- The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has commended Bukola Saraki for his effort in ending pensions for Kwara state former governors and their deputies

- SERAP challenged the chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, and other governors to show commitment and end double pay for ex-governors and their deputies

- The organisation urged Saraki to use his powers as a Senate President to call on other states to abolish payment of double emoluments to former governors and their deputies

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has commended the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, on his call for single pay for all former governors in Nigeria.

SERAP said Saraki's call that former governors still serving in government should not receive pension is highly commendable.

In a statement released on Thursday, March 1, the non-governmental organisation focused on accountability and good governance also challenged the chairman of the Nigerian Governors' Forum, Abdulaziz Yari, and other governors to show commitment and end double pay for ex-governors and their deputies.

SERAP also called on the Senate President to, “use his leadership position to sponsor a resolution in the Senate that would call on other states to abolish payment of double emoluments to ex-governors and their deputies.”

The organisation said it had continued to frown at the situation where former governors and deputies receive pension after expiration of their tenures in office, while still holding public offices.

“We urge Governor Yari to speak out strongly against double pensions laws and encourage his colleagues to urgently take measures to abolish such laws in their states for the sake of millions of Nigerians who deserve good governance and sustainable development," SERAP noted.

It said for example: "Under the Lagos Pension Law a former governor will enjoy the following benefits for life: Two houses, one in Lagos and another in Abuja estimated to cost between N500 million and N700 million. Others are six brand new cars every three years; furniture allowance of 300 per cent of annual salary every two years, and a close to N2.5 million as pension (about N30 million pension annually); free medicals including for his immediate families; 10 per cent house maintenance; 30 per cent car maintenance; 10 per cent entertainment; 20 per cent utility; and several domestic staff.”

“In Rivers, state law provides 100 per cent of annual basic salaries for ex-governor and deputy, one residential house for former governor anywhere of his choice in Nigeria; one residential house anywhere in Rivers for the deputy, three cars for the ex-governor every four years; two cars for the deputy every four years; 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years for furniture; 10 per cent of annual basic salary for house maintenance.”

“In Akwa Ibom, state law provides for N200 million annual pay to ex governors, deputies; pension for life; a new official car and utility-vehicle every four years; one personal aide and provision of adequate security; a cook, chauffeurs and security guards for the governor at a sum not exceeding N5 million per month and N2.5 million for the deputy governor; free medical services for governor and spouse totaling N100 million for the governor per annum and N50 million for the deputy governor; a five-bedroom mansion in Abuja and Akwa Ibom; and allowance of 300 per cent of annual basic salary for the deputy governor; 300 per cent of annual basic salary every four years and severance gratuity," SERAP added.

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NAIJ.com earlier reported that Saraki commended the Kwara state House of Assembly for passing the law to stop payment of salaries and pension to former governors and deputies in the state.

The law which was passed by the Kwara state Assembly will halt payment of pension to former governors, deputy governors and other officers holding political offices after their tenure in office.

Saraki reacting to the said he was happy that the bill was eventually passed into law.

How Kwara state governor is changing the face of the state - on NAIJ.com TV