Enugu Assembly suspends work on contentious life perks for ex-govs, deputies

The Enugu State House of Assembly, yesterday, suspended the amendment bill seeking review in pensions for former governors and their deputies, following public outcry.

The proposed piece of legislation, which scaled first reading last week and billed for second reading yesterday, was unanimously stepped down when it came up at plenary.

It was stepped down following a motion by the Leader of the House and sponsor of the bill, Ikechukwu Ezugwu.

Ezugwu, in a motion, said though the bill was not out of place, it needed to be suspended following widespread opposition.

He urged his colleagues to, as representatives of the people, listen to their outcry, stressing the need to consult widely on the issue.

The motion was seconded by the Deputy Leader, Onyinye Ugwu, who also urged promptness in the interest of the masses.

In his remarks, Speaker Edward Ubosi admitted that some provisions of the bill were unconstitutional.

He listed them to include payment of salaries to spouses of ex-governors and their deputies, adding that further consultation was needed to ascertain its implication on the state.

IN the meantime, the Save Enugu Group (SEG) has demanded a public apology from the legislature for “ taking Enugu citizens for a ride.”

The group, which had issued a 21-day ultimatum for the bill to be killed, said in a statement yesterday by its National Coordinator, Chief Willy Ezugwu, that, “the House is insulting the sensibilities of the good people of Enugu State.”

Although, it noted the suspension of the controversial bill, SEG, however, warned the members to stay off any issue that could jeopardise the peace of the state, wondering what they could benefit by further impoverishing the state.

“Regrettably, the House Leader is allowing himself to be used by the Speaker, who is said to be eyeing the governorship seat in 2023 and working towards a futuristic benefits if the bill is eventually passed into law.

“Otherwise, what is the special interest of the House of Assembly in making a law to further swell the bank account of already rich former governors and their deputies at the expense of the masses whose money will be used to service those politicians?” the group claimed.