Key Takeaways
- The Plateau State House of Assembly has withdrawn a controversial bill proposing pension allowances for former members and principal officers.
- The decision was made after extensive consultations and public feedback, with many critics arguing the bill was ill-timed given the state's economic hardship.
- The Assembly has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-centred legislation, listening to concerns from citizens and stakeholders.
The Plateau State House of Assembly has bowed to mounting public pressure and withdrawn the controversial Bill seeking to provide pension allowances for former members, principal officers and presiding officers of the Assembly.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, 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.
Public Feedback and Deliberations
According to Gokum, 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. The Majority Leader explained that after due deliberation, the Joint Committee unanimously resolved to withdraw the bill, demonstrating maturity, humility and respect for public opinion.
The decision was welcomed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other stakeholders, who had 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, stating that their vigilance strengthens democracy. The Plateau State House of Assembly, under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel, has reaffirmed its commitment to enacting laws aimed at promoting good governance, accountability, unity and sustainable development across the state.
Why This Matters
The withdrawal of the bill is a significant victory for the people of Plateau State, demonstrating the power of public opinion and the importance of transparency and accountability in governance. It also highlights the need for lawmakers to listen to the concerns of their constituents and prioritize the welfare of all citizens, especially workers and pensioners who have given years of service to the state.