Plateau State Legislature yields to public outcry, scraps proposed pension scheme for former lawmakers

The Plateau State House of Assembly has officially withdrawn a contentious bill that sought to grant life pensions and retirement benefits to former lawmakers, following a wave of public outcry and opposition from labour unions and civil society organisations.

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This decision was made public in Jos on Wednesday during a press conference, where Joseph Gokum, the Majority Leader and Chairman of the Joint Committee on Rules and Business, Finance and House Services, addressed the media.

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The bill in question had aimed to provide pension allowances for former members, principal officers, and presiding officers of the Plateau State House of Assembly, and was introduced earlier this month.

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However, the proposal was met with immediate criticism, as it came at a time when Plateau, like many other states, was struggling to pay unpaid gratuities and pensions owed to retired civil servants, as well as negotiating the new minimum wage.

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, Plateau State Council, the Trade Union Congress, and various civil society organisations, among others, denounced the bill as "insensitive" and "a waste of public resources".

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Labour leaders argued that it was wrong for lawmakers to prioritise life pensions for themselves while workers and pensioners were still owed entitlements, and threatened to mobilise workers for mass protests and industrial action if the Assembly proceeded with the bill.

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The NLC also warned that the move would exacerbate inequality and erode public trust in government at a time of economic hardship.

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Across Jos and other parts of the state, radio programmes, social media platforms, and town hall meetings were dominated by criticism of the bill, with many stakeholders saying it did not reflect "the aspirations and realities of the people".

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Addressing journalists, Gokum stated that the House had carefully considered the concerns raised by the public, and that the decision to withdraw the bill followed careful consideration of the concerns raised by civil society organisations, labour unions, and concerned citizens of Plateau State.

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Gokum added that the Assembly had acknowledged and respected the views of stakeholders, particularly in light of the prevailing economic realities, saying "We acknowledge and respect the position of our stakeholders.

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Their voices reflect the realities of our time and the expectations of the people we serve, and 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."

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Gokum then formally announced the withdrawal of the bill, describing it as "a demonstration of maturity, humility, and respect for public opinion", and stating "In view of the foregoing, and after due deliberation by the Joint Committee, we have resolved to withdraw the bill".

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The majority leader also extended his gratitude to civil society organisations, labour unions, and Plateau residents for their constructive engagement, saying "We sincerely appreciate the civil society organisations, labour unions, and all Plateau citizens who engaged with us constructively on this matter, as your vigilance strengthens our democracy".

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The withdrawal of the bill has effectively eased tensions in the state, with labour leaders hailing the Assembly's decision as a victory for people-centred governance.