SERAP calls for publication of Pensions of Former Governors by States

Governors of the thirty six states of the federation have been asked to publish details of payment of pensions to former governors and other ex-officials between 1999 and 2019.

A group, Scio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project made the demand in a letter tagged ‘Freedom of Information Act request’ sent to the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Dr Kayode Fayemi and Aminu Tambuwal.

The organization is also urging each of the thirty six state governors to provide information on whether any such pension law exists, and if so, to provide the names and number of ex-governors and other ex-officials receiving pensions.

In the letter dated signed by SERAP deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization noted that Public officials should not encourage, sustain, or implement huge pension laws that show an appearance of conflict of interest.

SERAP’s request is coming on the heels of the landmark judgment delivered last week by Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, ordering the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, to challenge the legality of states’ pension laws permitting former governors and other ex-public officials to collect such pensions.