Plateau Assembly bows to pressure, withdraws ex-lawmakers’ pension bill

The Plateau State House of Assembly has withdrawn a bill that would have granted life pensions and retirement benefits to former lawmakers, succumbing to significant public outcry and opposition from labor unions and civil society organizations. The decision was announced Wednesday in Jos.

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The decision followed careful consideration of the concerns raised by civil society organisations, labour unions and concerned citizens of Plateau State.

The proposed legislation, introduced earlier this month, sought to provide pension allowances for former members, principal officers, and presiding officers of the Assembly. However, it immediately drew criticism for being introduced at a time when the state, like many others, is struggling with unpaid gratuities and pensions for retired civil servants and ongoing negotiations for a new minimum wage.

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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.

Labor leaders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, along with civil society groups and concerned citizens, labeled the bill as "insensitive" and a "waste of public resources." They argued that prioritizing life pensions for lawmakers while workers and pensioners remained unpaid was unjust and threatened mass protests and industrial action if the bill proceeded.

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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.

In response to the widespread criticism, which dominated radio programs, social media, and town hall meetings, the Assembly acknowledged and respected the public's concerns. Majority Leader Joseph Gokum stated that the House had carefully considered the feedback, recognizing that the bill did not reflect the aspirations and realities of the people. He described the withdrawal as a "demonstration of maturity, humility and respect for public opinion."

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In view of the foregoing, and after due deliberation by the Joint Committee, we have resolved to withdraw the bill.