Kano Assembly to stop pensions for ex-Govs, deputies

From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
All former governors and deputy governors of Kano State holding political offices may no longer receive pensions and gratuities as the House of Assembly on Monday commenced the process for amending the state law which provided pensions and gratuities for them.
When the exercise is completed, only former governors and deputy governors who left office without further political appointments or elective positions would be entitled to receive pensions and gratuities.
The motion for the amendment of the law was moved by Hon. Labaran Madari (APC), representing Warawa constituency under a motion of Urgent Public Importance (UPI).
According to Madari, the amendment of the law is to reduce waste of public funds on former governors and deputy governors who still hold political offices after their tenure.
Madari said that the decision to review the existing law was to suspend such payments pending when the person would no longer hold any other political office.
The lawmaker said that, a�?any deputy governor who later becomes the governor, will lose his pension as former deputy governor.a�?
According to him, the decision became imperative, following prevailing economic situation caused by dwindling price on crude oil.
a�?As representatives of the people, it is our responsibility to find ways to reduce the burden on government so as to enable it execute projects that are of benefits to the general public,a�? he stated.
The Assembly members at a plenary presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Abdullahi Ata, suggested the creation of an Ad-hoc Committee to handle the issue.
The committee under the chairmanship of the Majority Whip, Alhaji Kabiru Hassan-Dashi, was asked to look into the motion and get back to the Assembly within a period of two weeks.