Bayelsa lawmakers’ “Life Pension Bill” sparks political row
Our reporter
A new Bill by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly which proposed juicy allowances for members has sparked row in the civil and political cycles with the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) calling on the state governor not to give assent to it.
The bill which is called Life Pension Bill proposed among other things that members of the state assembly receive life pensions from the day the exit the assembly up until their death.
It gave a amount payable pension of N100,000 for members while the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be entitled to N500,000 and N200,000, respectively.
But the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State has called on Governor Seriake Dickson to withhold his assent to the proposed Bill, saying it is would have adverse economic consequences.
Making the appeal in a statement on Thursday in Yenagoa, the party advised the governor to yield to public opinion by withholding his assent to the bill when it is transmitted to him.
The party also described the Bill as obnoxious, saying it was self-serving, provocative and a display of insensitivity to public opinion.
“APC Bayelsa completely rejects this life pension bill for members of the Bayelsa.
It is unsympathetic for members of the House of Assembly to seek to enhance their own lives at the expense of the vast majority of Bayelsa people living in pain and penury,” the statement signed by APC’s spokesman in the state, Doifie Buokoribo, stated.
“APC advises the legislature to withdraw the obnoxious pension bill and avoid the appalling crime against the people of Bayelsa State.
“In the event of the legislature’s refusal to heed this solemn advice, we appeal to Governor Seriake Dickson, if he is still in touch with his essential humanity, to refuse assent to the pension bill when it is transmitted to him.
“Failing this, the party calls on the people of Bayelsa to embark on a campaign of peaceful resistance against the rogue assembly and the poverty regime of Governor Dickson,” Buokoribo said.
