The South Saharan Social Development Organization (SSDO), has applauded the Enugu State House of Assembly for stepping down the proposed bill on life pension for ex-governors, deputies, and their spouses.
The Executive Director of SSDO, Stanley Ilechukwu, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Thursday.
Recall that the bill had scaled through the first reading at the state House of Assembly before it was stepped down on Tuesday, March 16, after wild public outcry.
According to Ilechukwu, the decision by the House to step down the bill, pending further adjustments, was a step in the right direction.
Ilechukwu said: “We thank the state House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi, for meeting with the peaceful protesters who came to the House to demand the termination of the Gubernatorial Life Pensions Bill.
He said the concerns of the public were duly addressed even as the process for deliberations on the Bill was explained to the youths as part of an ongoing process which would still factor in their opinions.
“We are especially happy that the Bill has been stepped down pending further adjustments, and appreciate the Speaker’s assurances that the state House of Assembly would not pass laws that would be detrimental to the public well-being’’.
Ilechukwu also appreciated the willingness of the House to listen and collaborate with citizens on their legislative process.
Read Also: Bill To Stop Imo Ex-Governors, Speakers From Receiving Pension Passed
He also appealed that the Water Sector Bill pending at the House be given special attention from the representatives for passage as soon as possible.
It will be recalled that Anaedoonline.ng reported that Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr Chiji Collins revealed in a statement that it was necessary for the house to make a huge sacrifice of approving the bill which will stop former speakers and ex-governors from receiving pensions and other entitlement for the benefit and development of the state.
The speaker noted that though they would be the first victims of the bill, however, the sacrifice worth it most especially for the development of the state, Chiji reiterated.
We learned that the Imo state House of Assembly yesterday revoked the 2007 pension act which effectively stripped ex-governors, their deputies, and ex- speakers of their pensions and other entitlements.
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