Group kicks against inclusion of Kano ex-lawmakers in pension scheme

A civil society group, Centre for Human Right and Social Advancement, has cautioned the Kano State House of Assembly against including ex-lawmakers in its proposed amendment of pension scheme.

The group’s Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, disclosed this position to journalists in Kano yesterday.

He said the proposal was sentimental, self-centered and contrary to the provision of Section 124 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

It threatened to take the leadership of the assembly to court, if they fail to stop the plan.

Yankuzo explained: “The law states that provisions may be made by law of a House of Assembly for the grant of a pension or gratuity.

“But, the provision is to, or in respect of a person who had held office as governor or deputy governor and was not removed from office as a result of impeachment.”

He added that any pension that is granted by virtue of provisions made in pursuance of this subsection should be charged into the state’s consolidated revenue fund.

The director stressed that the Nigerian Constitution is the ground norm from which all other laws derive their validity, utility and efficacy.

He explained that if any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, such law should, to the extent of the
inconsistency, be void.

He added that the proposed review of the scheme was deliberately fashioned to override the interest of the people.

The state assembly had recently set up an ad hoc committee for the amendment of the state pension scheme.

The committee had the Chief Whip of the House, Kabiru Hassan-Dashi, as chairman.