From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly on Monday outrightly repealed the bill for a law to make for the maintenance of former Governors and their deputies.
Recall that, former Governor Samuel Ortom at the twilight of his administration, initiated a bill to provide for life pension for all former governors and their deputies.
The bill which was hurriedly passed by the ninth assembly on the 25th May, 2023, provided for the payment of stipend of 40 million in four months in addition to provision of two (2) Special Utility Vehicles (SUVs) as well as 6 stewards to a former Governor while the former deputy governor was entitled to 25 million as stipend in 4 months, 1 SUV and 3 stewards.
Leading debate of the bill during the plenary, the House committee chairman on Appointments, Public Service and Pension Hon.Douglas Akya representing Makurdi South Constituency described the bill as ‘exorbitant’,maintaining that the state cannot fund it from its lean resources.
He also, said that the bill was not made in the best interest of the State, particularly at a time when workers were owed several months of salaries, pension and gratuity of retired workers are not paid.
Meanwhile, in another vein, the House stood down the bill to provide for the establishment of State Civil Protection Guards and other purposes connected therewith as a result of some ambiguities.
The Majority Leader Hon. Saater Tiseer who doubles as Chairman, House committee on Rules and Business said they carried out public hearing of the bill in the three (3)Senatorial zones of the State.
