President Bola Ahmed-Tinubu with SERAP
SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘failure to stop Wike, others from collecting retirement benefits’
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the failure to stop the former governors who are now serving as ministers in his administration from collecting life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their states while they serve as ministers.”
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, identified the ministers as Nyesom Wike (Rivers); Bello Matawalle (Zamfara); Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun).
Other former governors listed in the suit include Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa), David Umahi (Ebonyi), Simon Lalong (Plateau); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); and Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe).
SERAP said, “the ministers are to be joined in the suit as Defendants.”
READ ALSO:
Oluwadare said the suit with number FHC/L/CS/1855/2023 was filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos. The rights group is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to instruct the former governors who are now serving as ministers to stop collecting life pension, and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their respective states.”
SERAP is arguing that: “Compelling and directing President Tinubu to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers would serve the public interest, especially given the current grave economic realities in the country.”
“The appointment of those who collect life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ as ministers is an arbitrary and unlawful exercise of discretion and presidential power of appointment.
“While many pensioners are not paid their pensions, former governors serving as ministers get paid huge severance benefits upon leaving office, and are poised to enjoy double emoluments on top of the opulence of political office holders.”
Female-led phone thieves smashed in Kano, 5 suspects arrested Operatives of Kano State police command, on…
How tax reform will boost workers’ welfare, by FG The proposed Tax Reform Bills will significantly improve…
7 die, 31 injured in Gombe road accident Seven people have tragically died, and 31…
Woman kills husband with pestle in Niger State A 27-year-old woman identified as Fatima Dzuma has…
Naira opens 2025 on weak note against US dollar The Nigerian naira fell to N1,541.36/$ on…
2025 sends off 2024 and its baggage of rubbish Tunde Odesola (Published in The PUNCH,…