ABUJA, Nigeria — About 13 former governors, currently serving as Senators in the 10th National Assembly, continue to receive pension allowances from their respective states.
The report on Friday, July 7, 2023, comes into the spotlight after Gbenga Daniel, the former Governor of Ogun state, revealed that he wrote to his state government requesting that his pension and allowance payments be halted due to his assumption of office as a Senator.
Critics argue that receiving pensions while actively serving in the Senate amounts to double-dipping into the public coffers.
This practice, often seen as an entitlement among some political elites, has stirred debate over the ethical and economic implications.
The list of former governors who continue to receive pensions and allowances while serving as Senators includes:
- Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) 2007 – 2015
- Aliyu Wammako (Sokoto) 2007 – 2015
- Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara) 2011 – 2019
- Dave Umahi (Ebonyi) 2015 – 2023
- Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) 2015 – 2023
- Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) 2008 – 2016
- Ibrahim Dankambo (Gombe) 2011 – 2019
- Abubakar Bello (Niger) 2015 – 2023
- Orji Kalu (Abia) 1999 – 2007
- Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa) 2012 – 2020
- Ibrahim Gaidam (Yobe) 2009 – 2019
- Adamu Aliro (Kebbi) 1999 – 2007
- Danjuma Goje (Gombe) 2003 – 2011
This development has been met with backlash from the public, civil societies, and political analysts, who argue that such practice is unsustainable and exacerbates the economic challenges the country faces.
Dr. Uche Okpara, a political analyst, says, “This is indicative of the need for comprehensive reform of the remuneration and allowances of political office holders in Nigeria. In an economy where many are struggling to make ends meet, it is morally reprehensible for public servants to earn multiple incomes from the state’s coffers.”
On the other hand, some political commentators have called for a legal interpretation to ascertain if the practice is in contravention of any laws.
As the debate continues to rage, it remains to be seen whether other former governors will follow Gbenga Daniel’s example or if legislative action will be taken to address this issue.
