The Lagos State House of Assembly led by Speaker Mudashiru Obasa has slashed the pension and other incentives hitherto granted former governors of the state.
The Committee on Establishment had recommended a 50% reduction instead of the pubic proposal that it be removed completely.
In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the Committee expunged the provision of houses in Abuja ad Lagos stipulated in an earlier law operated by the state.
The review also cut down on the number of vehicles to be made available to the former governors, their deputies and Speakers, House of Assembly.
Obasa suggested that former governors should get 2 vehicles (a car and a van) each instead of the initial 3 recommended by the Committee.
The cars will be changed every 4 years instead of the 3 proposed in the report.
Some of the lawmakers had suggested at plenary, an upward review in the pension of the affected former public office holders by 75% while others proposed that it remains as stipulated in the old law.
Speaker Obasa, on his part asked that it be left at 50% especially as the Committee’s report had recommended the removal of houses and reduced other benefits.
Alluding to the recent murder of the president of Haiti, he said it was necessary to also secure the lives of former office holders.
“By virtue of my office, I have seen former speakers who we just had to intervene in their lives because of the situations they found themselves outside office. We have also seen former governors in a very bad situation,” he said.
Obasa noted the argument of his colleagues that the projected downward review of the pensions for the former governors and others could also be affected by inflation and other economic considerations, but reminded that the House must meet the wishes of the people one of which is a cut in the cost of governance.
“There is no argument, we must realise that this is democracy and it is all about the people. We are here because of the people. When we represent people, it is good for us to listen to them as well.”
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