A report has revealed that 14 sitting senators, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, will receive pensions and other benefits worth N5.6 billion from their respective states during their tenure in the 10th Senate. Except for Senator Gbenga Daniel, who has requested exemption from pension benefits, the other senators have not publicly refused the funds.
The report by Beacon Consulting highlighted that former governors in the Senate, such as Adams Oshiomhole, Dave Umahi, Aminu Tambuwal, Abdulaziz Yari, and others, will continue to receive significant annual pensions, allowances, and perks, even as they serve in the Senate. The pensions for former governors average around N100 million yearly, including 100% of the basic salary of incumbent governors.
The pensions and benefits include allowances for furniture, two brand new vehicles every four years, accommodation anywhere in the country, free medical care for the ex-governor and their immediate family, as well as staff including cooks, stewards, drivers, and security personnel.
The pension payouts for the 14 senators will amount to N1.4 billion per year, totaling N5.6 billion for the four-year duration of their senate terms. These amounts are in addition to their salaries and other allowances.
Although some states, such as Lagos, have taken steps to reduce the pension benefits for former governors, many states still provide generous benefits, leading to the collection of significant amounts of public funds by former governors serving in the Senate.
In response to the report, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the Senate President and the other senators to clarify if they are receiving or have received life pensions as former governors from their respective states. SERAP has also urged them to stop collecting the pensions and return any funds already received, as it is deemed unconstitutional and against the public interest.
A judgment of the Federal High Court has declared the collection of pensions by former governors serving in public offices illegal. SERAP has urged Senator Daniel to refund any pensions he has received and collaborate with other senators to repeal pension legislations for former governors.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has also stated that it is illegal for senators serving in the National Assembly or ministers to receive pensions while in office, citing the Federal High Court judgment. SERAP has vowed to enforce the judgment and ensure compliance with the law.
The issue of politicians collecting double salaries and life pensions has been a contentious topic in Nigeria, and there have been calls for the practice to be stopped in order to reduce the cost of governance and promote accountability.
