Nigeria’s Financial Strain: Falana Opposes Lavish Pensions For Former Governors

Nigeria’s Financial Strain: Falana Opposes Lavish Pensions For Former Governors

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has strongly advocated for the cessation of what he deems as outrageous pensions granted to certain former governors in Nigeria……..CONTINUE READING

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Falana expressed his dissatisfaction, highlighting the paradox where some state governors approved substantial pension benefits and allowances for themselves but neglected the payment of pensions and gratuities to their former employees during their tenures.

In a statement he personally endorsed and shared with the media, Falana asserted that Nigeria cannot sustain the continuation of exorbitant pensions for former governors while workers remain owed meager pension arrears.

He stated, “Several state governors granted themselves exorbitant pension payments and allowances, while neglecting the pensions and gratuities owed to their former employees while in office. A significant number of these governors, now in the Senate, continue to receive substantial salaries and allowances.”

Falana pointed out that Lagos was the pioneer state to enact a pension law for former governors in 2007, with many other states adopting similar models. However, he deemed the pension laws for Lagos, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers States as the most scandalous.

Providing specifics on the pension benefits enjoyed by former governors of these states, Falana cited instances where the Federal High Court and the National Industrial Court declared the payment of pension and gratuity to former governors null and void in certain cases, such as SERAP v Attorney-General of the Federation (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1497/2017) and Alhaji Garba Umar v Taraba State Government (Suit No: NICN/JOS/26/2016).

He further noted positive developments, such as the Lagos State Government’s announcement of a 50 percent reduction in pension in 2022 and directives from Senators Daniel and Dankwambo for Ogun and Gombe governments to cease pension payments, considering their current salaries and allowances in the National Assembly.

Commending the actions of Kwara, Imo, and Zamfara States for abolishing pension payments, Falana called on other state governments to promptly eliminate such pension provisions. He stressed that Nigeria cannot afford to sustain exorbitant pensions for former governors while workers face overdue and modest pension payments, advocating for the extension of pension laws applicable to other public officers to include all ex-governors.

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