Former Secretary to the Niger State Government, Prof Yahaya Kuta, has expressed his viewpoint that ex-governors who continue to enjoy life pensions, luxurious vehicles, and other privileges from their states while concurrently serving as ministers, shoulder a significant moral responsibility.

Kuta emphasized that these ministers should follow the example set by former Ogun State governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel. Senator Daniel’s decision to suspend his pension after assuming a senatorial role is a commendable model for others to emulate, according to Kuta.

Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday, the former SSG’s remarks were in response to the ongoing appeals from civil society organizations, most notably the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP). SERAP has been urging President Bola Tinubu to instruct former governors in his cabinet to cease the collection of pensions.

In a recent event, Tinubu inaugurated a group of past governors as members of his cabinet, including figures like Abubakar Badaru (Jigawa), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Bello Matawalle (Zamfara), Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Simon Lalong (Plateau), Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), and Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe).

Drawing attention to a noteworthy precedent, the former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki, who governed Kwara State from 2003 to 2011, announced in August 2017 that he would no longer receive pensions from the state. This action was lauded by SERAP.

Kuta stressed, “They should take a cue from Senator Gbenga Daniel who wrote his state governor to henceforth stop his pension from the state. That is the spirit! They don’t need to be told as it’s a moral burden to take double ration when your citizens are in serious pain of hunger, deprivation and despair.”

Source: Punch