The Plateau State House of Assembly has officially dropped a disputed bill aimed at granting pension payments to former assembly members and leaders. This reversal follows intense backlash from labor groups, civil society, and the general public, who labeled the move as poorly timed given the current economic crisis affecting the state.
Hon. Joseph G. Gokum, the House Majority Leader, announced the withdrawal on Thursday in Jos. He explained that the decision emerged after significant public feedback and internal reviews. Gokum emphasized that the 10th Assembly values accountability and decided to prioritize the welfare of state workers and current pensioners over the proposed benefits for past lawmakers.
The move occurred just a day after the Nigeria Labour Congress and other advocacy groups protested at the legislative complex, arguing that the bill was insensitive to the financial struggles faced by citizens. According to Gokum, the assembly views this withdrawal as a commitment to democratic values rather than a sign of weakness. The formal announcement was co-signed by committee leaders Ibrahim Galadima and Eli Ankala Bako.
