A fervent call for transparency and accountability has emerged from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), urging President Bola Tinubu to direct ex-governors who currently hold ministerial positions in his administration to cease accepting lavish lifetime pensions and extravagant perks from their respective states.
The organization has also insisted that any pensions and allowances previously received by these former governors be promptly returned to the public treasury. This request, outlined in a letter dated August 19, 2023, addresses a constitutional concern, as the practice contradicts Nigeria’s legal framework.
SERAP emphasized that such appointments of ex-governors receiving life pensions as ministers undermine the very spirit of public service and raise questions about the ethical standards within the government. The organization’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, highlighted the urgency of this matter against the backdrop of the nation’s economic challenges. The initiative resonates deeply with Nigerians who seek a more equitable allocation of resources to benefit all citizens, particularly those who are economically vulnerable.
The call resonates beyond its legal implications; it touches upon the core values of good governance and equitable allocation of resources. SERAP’s bold stance encourages a reconsideration of the nexus between public service and personal gain, ultimately striving for a system that fosters integrity, equality, and an unswerving commitment to the common good.