LAGOS, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, has issued a call to President Bola Tinubu, pressing him to direct former state governors, who currently hold ministerial positions under his administration, to desist from collecting life pensions and other benefits from their respective states.
The request follows revelations that several former governors, now in the Cabinet of President Tinubu, have been benefiting from life pensions, luxury car allowances, and other perks.
Notably, these former governors include Badaru Abubakar, Nyesom Wike, Bello Matawalle, Adegboyega Oyetola, David Umahi, Simon Lalong, Atiku Bagudu, and Ibrahim Geidam.
SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, in a letter dated August 19, 2023, emphasized the appointment of such individuals contradicts Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international legal obligations.
“The president’s appointments should reflect the nation’s ethical and constitutional safeguards. Double emoluments for former governors manifestly oppose the spirit of the Constitution,” stated Oluwadare.
SERAP underscored that while many Nigerian retirees grapple with unpaid pensions, these former governors enjoy opulent allowances and ministerial salaries.
“The conduct of his ministers will inevitably influence Nigerians’ perceptions of the president,” Oluwadare added.
The organization has set a 7-day deadline for President Tinubu to act on their recommendations, threatening legal action if ignored.
Specifically, SERAP cites extravagant benefits for these ex-governors, such as entitlements to multi-million Naira homes in Lagos and Abuja, luxurious cars replenished every three years, unlimited medical benefits, and dedicated staff like cooks and gardeners.
The letter also refers to President Tinubu’s inaugural commitment to rule of law, equity, and impartial governance in alignment with Nigeria’s Constitution.
Drawing on the UN Convention against Corruption, SERAP stresses the convention’s emphasis on public officials maintaining integrity and transparency in their duties.
With this recent call from SERAP, President Tinubu finds himself at the juncture of public accountability and political loyalty.
The nation now waits to see which direction he will take.
