Recently, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State abolished the pension benefits of former governors in the state, having signed into law a bill to that effect. This decision has sent rippling reactions through Nigeria’s political landscape. While some applaud it, others say it is a witch-hunt. For instance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was remarkably the first to commend Otti’s action. Obasanjo noted it was courageous and challenged other governors to emulate Abia state.
But judging from the mixed reactions trailing Otti’s action, Gom Mirian revisits the issue in this piece, focusing on the emotions, facts, and implications of this decision as well as raising critical questions about the office of the President of the country.
Life Pensions as Benefits of Holding Top Political Office in Nigeria
The practice of providing post-tenure benefits, including pensions and other perks, to former governors and public officials has been a subject of public scrutiny in Nigeria. This practice has often been questioned, particularly in light of the generous benefits provided to individuals who have already held positions of power and privilege.
The landscape of political office holding in Nigeria has seen a recurring pattern of former governors transitioning to higher political offices after their tenures. Notable figures such as Bola Ahmed Tinubu, George Akume, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and Orji Uzor Kalu have gone on to serve as senators, ministers, and even presidential candidates. This trend raises questions about the continuity of their pension entitlements as they assume higher political positions.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos State, serves as a pertinent example of the traditional trajectory of political officeholders in Nigeria. After serving as the first civilian governor of Lagos State, Tinubu proceeded to the senate and later assumed the presidency. Likewise, his successor, Babatunde Fashola served as the governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015 and as the federal minister of Works and Housing Development.
Similarly, other former governors like George Akume, currently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, served as a senator representing Benue North-West Senatorial District from 2007 to 2019 and Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs during the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023.
likewise, his successor, Gabriel Suswam, who after his eight years as the governor, served as senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial district of the 9th Assembly, of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who served as the Federal Minister of Transportation, his successor Ezenwo Nyesom Wike who is the current Federal Capital Territory Minister, Orji Uzor Kalu, current serving senator and Theodore Orji appointed by the president have transitioned to higher political positions, raising questions about the continuation of their pension benefits.
Voices from the Streets: Ordinary Nigerians Speak Out
To provide a balanced perspective, the Africa Health Report spoke to pensioners and retirees from different parts of Nigeria.
Mr. Akhimien Odion Joseph, a retired civil servant in Abuja, expressed his support for the bill, stating, “The payment of pension to political office holders is an aberration, they are supposed to be paid severance benefits, not a pension,” Odion said. “The maximum years they spent in office is eight years, political appointments are not pensionable since the politicians were already doing something before.
He highlighted the disparity between the pension of civil servants and the benefits provided to former governors, Saying, “In collusion with the state houses of assembly, the governors passed the laws. The Abia state government did the right thing,” he added. “The civil service pension is generally appalling, no retiree can survive on pension, for example, the pension of a level 14 officer after 35 years is not up to N50,000,” Mr. Odion lamented.
In Lagos, Mrs. Adeola, a pensioner from the public sector, expressed his concerns: “While I appreciate the intent behind the bill, I worry about the broader implications it may have on pension policies in the country. Will this set a precedent for other states to follow suit? Will our pensions be at risk in the future? As we navigate through our golden years, these uncertainties weigh heavily on our minds.”
In Enugu, Mrs. Ngozi, a retired teacher, shared her sentiments: “The repeal of pensions for former governors is a step in the right direction, but it is just the beginning.
“We need comprehensive reforms that address the systemic issues affecting pensioners nationwide. Our struggles are real, and our voices must be heard loud and clear. We deserve better treatment and respect in our retirement years.”
In Kaduna, Kabiru, a retired teacher, shared his perspective: “I support the decision to scrap ex-governors pensions. It is unfair for politicians who have served for a short period to be entitled to such hefty pensions while ordinary pensioners struggle to make ends meet. “Our pension system needs to be reformed to ensure equality and justice for all retirees.”
Insights from an Expert
To gain expert insight on the matter, AHR reached out to Dr. Ikechi Nwogu, an Educationist and social commentator.
In an interview, Dr Nwogu acknowledged the need to provide basic entitlements to ex-governors but expressed concerns over the exorbitant nature of these entitlements.
He suggested a more reasonable approach: “Perhaps a single medical check-up, either domestically or abroad, at a reputable hospital could suffice as part of their entitlements. The salary earned during their tenure as governor, along with the decisions made, should ideally provide for them post-office, to prevent them from becoming a nuisance to the state.
“Former governors should not receive concurrent pensions while holding higher positions, their new position should automatically assume responsibility for their pension. It is unacceptable for former governors to receive pensions concurrently while holding positions as senators, ministers, or even president, as seen in Nigeria, it is criminal.”
Dr Nwogu drew comparisons to other countries and recommended that Nigerian governors generate income through legitimate means, such as publishing books, to secure their retirement funds.
He criticized the misuse of public funds and called for the reallocation of saved funds to benefit society through initiatives like scholarships and educational development. He also advocated for legislative changes to promote accountability and discourage career politicians.
The Impact of Abia State’s Decision
The decision by Governor Alex Otti to scrap ex-governors pensions in Abia State has sparked a national conversation about the role of political officeholders and the allocation of public funds. It has raised important questions about the fairness and sustainability of providing generous benefits to former governors, especially as they transition to higher political positions.
Disparity between Pensions of former Governors and Struggles of Ordinary Retirees
The move has also highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms to address systemic issues affecting pensioners nationwide. It has drawn attention to the disparity between the pension benefits of former governors and the struggles of ordinary retirees, prompting calls for greater equality and justice in the pension system.
Allocation of Public Funds
Abia State’s decision to abolish ex-governor’s pensions has ignited a critical examination of Nigeria’s political landscape and the allocation of public funds. It has prompted discussions about the need for reforms to ensure fairness and accountability in the treatment of political officeholders and retirees. As the debate continues, it is clear that this landmark decision has the potential to shape the future of political office holding and pension policies in Nigeria.
