Plateau Assembly withdraws controversial ex-lawmakers’ pension bill

By Golok Nanmwa

JOS – The Plateau State House of Assembly has bowed to mounting public pressure and withdrawn the controversial Bill seeking to provide pension allowances for former members, principal officers and presiding officers of the Assembly.

The decision followed widespread condemnation by organised labour, civil society organisations, and members of the public, who argued that the proposed legislation was ill-timed in view of the prevailing economic hardship and the plight of workers and pensioners in the state.

Announcing the withdrawal of the bill on Thursday in Jos, the Majority Leader of the House and Chairman of the Joint Committee on Rules and Business, Finance and House Services, Hon. Joseph G. Gokum, said the action was taken after extensive consultations, public feedback and careful deliberations by the committee.

Gokum said the 10th Plateau State House of Assembly remained committed to transparency, accountability and people-centred legislation, stressing that lawmakers had listened to the concerns expressed by citizens and other critical stakeholders.

According to him, since the introduction of the bill, the Assembly had received submissions from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), labour unions and concerned Plateau citizens, whose views reflected the current economic realities and the expectations of the people.

“We acknowledge and respect the position of our stakeholders. Their voices reflect the realities of our time and the expectations of the people we serve.

“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that every law we make promotes equity, fairness and the overall welfare of all Plateau citizens, especially workers and pensioners who have given years of service to the state,” he said.

He explained that after due deliberation, the Joint Committee unanimously resolved to withdraw the bill.

According to the Majority Leader, the decision should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness but as evidence that the Assembly respects democratic principles and public opinion.

“The decision is a demonstration of maturity, humility and respect for public opinion. Democracy is strengthened when leaders listen to the people and act in their best interest,” he stated.

The statement announcing the withdrawal was jointly signed by Gokum; Chairman, House Committee on House Services and Welfare, Hon. Ibrahim Galadima; and Chairman, House Committee on Finance, Hon. Eli Ankala Bako.

The development comes barely 24 hours after members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil society organisations and other concerned citizens staged a protest at the Plateau State House of Assembly, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the bill.

The protesters had described the proposed pension package for former lawmakers as insensitive, arguing that it came at a time many workers and retirees were struggling with economic hardship and unpaid entitlements.

Gokum thanked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders for engaging the Assembly peacefully and constructively on the issue.

“On behalf of the Joint Committee and the entire House, we sincerely appreciate the Civil Society Organisations, Labour Unions and all Plateau citizens who constructively engaged with us on this matter. Your vigilance strengthens our democracy,” he added.

He reaffirmed that the Plateau State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, would continue to enact laws aimed at promoting good governance, accountability, unity and sustainable development across the state.