A coalition of civil society organizations in Plateau State has formally opposed the proposed pension allowance legislation targeting former members and principal officers of the State House of Assembly. In a statement issued by convener Steve Aluko in Jos, the group characterized the bill as a self-serving measure that lacks transparency and fails to align with the current needs of the public.
The coalition emphasized that imposing lifelong financial obligations on the state is unjustifiable given the ongoing challenges of economic instability, unemployment, and insecurity. They expressed alarm at the legislative process, noting that the bill bypassed adequate scrutiny and public input by clearing its first and second readings in a single day. Furthermore, the group criticized the lack of public access to the bill’s provisions, which prevents stakeholders from evaluating how state funds are being allocated.
By excluding the public from the process, the lawmakers have allegedly weakened trust in democratic governance. The coalition has demanded that the Assembly immediately stop all proceedings on the bill and ensure it undergoes a thorough, transparent public hearing involving experts and local stakeholders. They also called on the state executive branch to refuse to sign the legislation if it is passed in its current state, arguing that the government should focus on initiatives that foster economic growth rather than enriching former officials.
