By Faith Chondol
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) in Plateau State has rejected a proposed bill seeking to provide pension allowances for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, describing it as ill-timed, self-serving and inconsistent with accountable governance.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Jos, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State said the proposed legislation was unjustifiable at a time when the state was facing economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment and other pressing development challenges.
The coalition argued that creating additional lifetime financial obligations for former political office holders did not reflect the immediate needs and aspirations of the people.
The group also criticised the legislative process surrounding the bill, alleging that it passed its First and Second Readings on the same day without adequate scrutiny or public engagement.
According to the coalition, the bill has not been made publicly available, preventing citizens, labour unions, civil society organisations, professional bodies and other stakeholders from examining provisions that could have significant implications for public finances.
It further expressed concern over the apparent absence of a public hearing, saying such a process was necessary for legislation with major fiscal consequences.
“The apparent absence of a public hearing undermines transparency, weakens public confidence in the legislative process and contradicts the principles of participatory democracy,” the statement said.
The coalition maintained that Plateau State should prioritise policies that stimulate economic growth, improve public services and enhance citizens’ welfare rather than legislation perceived to favour a few political office holders.
It called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to suspend further consideration of the bill, publish its full contents and organise a transparent public hearing involving citizens, labour unions, pensioners, civil society organisations, professional bodies and economic experts.
The coalition also urged the state executive to withhold assent if the bill is passed in its current form.
“We unequivocally oppose any legislation that is self-serving, economically burdensome and disconnected from the realities of the people.
Plateau State deserves laws that advance inclusive economic development, promote fiscal responsibility and place the interests of citizens above those of political office holders,” the statement added.
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