Nigerians React to Bayelsa Assembly Approving Monthly Life Pension for Lawmakers

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly on Wednesday day approved passed a bill that would see present and past members of the legislature received monthly life pension.

According to Sahara Reporters, the bill was sponsored by Peter Akpe, the House Leader and it approves N500k post-service monthly pension to speakers, N200k for deputy speakers, and N100k for other members.

Former lawmakers in the state, including those of Bayelsa origin who served in the old Rivers State are to benefit from the bill.

Once Governor Seriake Dickson signs the bill, it becomes law, but it is unclear if the governor will assent to it.

Bayelsa state is one of the numerous states across the country where civil servants regularly protest the non-payment of salaries.

See reactions to the development:

Good morning to Bayelsa state House of Assembly members Who approved life pension for themselves. pic.twitter.com/6XMRjibFQK

— Aly Bunxa (@BunxaAly) April 26, 2019

Bayelsa is now the first state in the country where legislators (after just 4 years in office ) will receive a life pension.

This is a state that has just 8 LGAs. Currently owing over 6months salaries and pension.

— Hon. Marshall Israel (@marshallIsrael4) April 25, 2019

Bayelsa setting a bad precedence. Life pension for lawmakers?

These politicians know they have no life outside of politics, so they are securing their own future at the expense of the state.

— Ẹdẹ?? (@aholagunju) April 25, 2019

Scary & pitiful! #Repair9ja#WakeUpNigerians

"The bill specifically provided that former lawmakers,including persons of Bayelsa origin who served in d old Rivers State,would enjoy life pensions for their services in d state…" @SaharaReporters @Dann_10 @Amina_Eke22 @drbanj pic.twitter.com/769uIOErWm

— Pépèr-Hadé Shóyemí (@PeperHade) April 26, 2019

Bayelsa state that can't pay civil servants is going to give legislators life pension! Horrible roads, dirty water, poor electricity, unpaid civil servants but let's secure our lawmakers for life. Inside life! ?‍♀️

— FELIX NONNY (@FelixNonny) April 26, 2019

#NIGERIA: State legislators in #Bayelsa state have approved PENSION FOR LIFE for themselves: N500,000 for speaker, N200,000 for dep speaker, N100,000 for members, MONTHLY! An utterly shameless example of what the Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti called ‘‘AUTHORITY STEALING’’. pic.twitter.com/7ocXPBnPjh

— Nnamdi Obasi (@NnamdiObasi) April 26, 2019

We grumble and grumble but do nothing. I am not from Bayelsa state so I have no locus standi to sue. CSOs, citizens of the state should go to court to fight the planned pensions law of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly. They are not civil servants, they are not pensionable.

— Arinola (@iyaboawokoya) April 25, 2019