Plateau NLC threatens Assembly picket over proposed lawmakers’ pension bill

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Plateau State, backed by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has announced plans to picket the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30. The protest is in response to a proposed bill that would grant pension and retirement benefits to members of the legislature.

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We are picketing the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30, and we will remain there until this bill is withdrawn. We have the capacity to sustain the protest if necessary.

Organized labor has strongly condemned the bill, describing it as "anti-people, self-serving, and insensitive." They are demanding its immediate withdrawal and have vowed to sustain the protest until their demand is met. Comrade Eugene Manji, Chairman of the NLC Plateau State Council, stated that organized labor would resist any attempt to pass the bill, urging lawmakers to prioritize legislation that improves the general welfare of the populace rather than their personal gain.

Manji accused the Assembly members of exploiting the autonomy granted to state legislatures to pursue personal enrichment. He emphasized that legislative autonomy was fought for to strengthen democratic governance, not to facilitate self-enrichment. "We are picketing the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30, and we will remain there until this bill is withdrawn. We have the capacity to sustain the protest if necessary," he declared.

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It is unfortunate that while the government is battling to clear pension arrears, lawmakers who have served only four years want to place themselves on lifetime pension.

Comrade Kenneth Shammah, Chairman of the TUC Plateau State Council, echoed these sentiments, calling the proposed pension package "insensitive," especially given the state's ongoing struggle to clear pension arrears dating back to 1986. He pointed out the irony of lawmakers, who have served only a single term, seeking lifetime pensions while many parents of these lawmakers are still awaiting their own pensions. The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, through its Convener Mr. Steve Aluko, also aligned with labor's position, labeling the bill as undemocratic and extortionist. They warned of further actions, including potentially shutting down the State House of Assembly if the bill is not withdrawn.

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If this bill is not withdrawn, we will join organised labour in shutting down the State House of Assembly until the lawmakers retrace their steps.