Plates State Lawmakers Push for Pensions, PDP Slams Bill as 'Reckless'

“The establishment of the Pension Board will strengthen pension administration through proper documentation of beneficiaries, effective data management and regular verification to prevent irregularities,” Hon. Eli Ankala said.

Plateau State lawmakers have taken a step closer to providing pensions for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, principal officers, and members of the Assembly. On Tuesday, they passed a bill for second reading, which seeks to establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Pension Board to administer pensions and retirement benefits for former lawmakers. The bill, sponsored by Hon. Eli Ankala, a member representing Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency, aims to provide a structured and sustainable pension system for former legislators.

But the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has come out strongly against the proposed legislation, describing it as 'self-serving, insensitive, and contrary to the public interest.' In a statement, the party's State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Choji Felix Dalyop, said the bill was 'reckless' and 'a gross abuse of public trust.' He alleged that it was designed to create lifetime benefits for lawmakers at the expense of the people.

At a time when the state is grappling with insecurity and economic challenges, the PDP sees the bill as an 'act of extreme greed.' The party is calling on members of the Assembly to withdraw the bill and is urging civil society organisations, labour unions, and advocacy groups to mobilise citizens against what it describes as 'legislative overreach.' The PDP also wants residents of the state to engage their elected representatives and demand that they vote against the bill.

The proposed Pension Board will be responsible for administering pension matters, maintaining comprehensive records of beneficiaries, and ensuring transparency in the management of retirement benefits. The board will also provide a legal framework for pension administration and promote prudent management of public resources.

It is worth noting that former lawmakers in Plateau State have been without retirement benefits for years, and some have taken to the courts to seek justice. However, the PDP's stance on the bill suggests that it may not be the solution to the problem.

And as the debate rages on, the people of Plateau State are left to wonder if their elected representatives are truly working in their best interests.