The Plateau State House of Assembly has advanced a bill that would grant pensions and retirement benefits to former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, principal officers and members. The legislation, sponsored by Eli Ankala, who represents Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency, cleared second reading during Tuesday's plenary session chaired by Speaker Daniel Nanlong.
The proposed law seeks to establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Pension Board to manage these retirement benefits. Ankala told lawmakers the board would maintain detailed records of beneficiaries and ensure transparent administration of pension funds.
According to Ankala, the bill creates a structured and sustainable pension system for former legislators. He said it would eliminate irregularities through proper documentation, effective data management and regular verification checks.
The lawmaker explained the legislation provides a legal framework for pension administration and improves record-keeping. He added that it promotes prudent management of public resources while ensuring eligible former lawmakers receive retirement benefits in an orderly and accountable manner.
The Assembly also passed for second reading a separate bill establishing the Plateau State House of Assembly Service Pension Board. The chamber moved swiftly on both pension-related measures during Tuesday's sitting.
However, the Peoples Democratic Party has fiercely opposed the bills, calling them self-serving and contrary to public interest. Choji Felix Dalyop, the party's state publicity secretary, issued a statement on Wednesday condemning the legislation as ill-timed.
The PDP said Plateau state faces serious security challenges and economic difficulties that demand urgent attention. The party described the pension bills as "reckless, insensitive and a gross abuse of public trust."
According to the opposition party, the legislation aims to create lifetime benefits for lawmakers at the expense of ordinary citizens. The party noted that advancing such measures while the state battles insecurity and economic deficits amounts to "extreme greed."
The PDP warned that if enacted, the law could set a dangerous precedent. The party argued it would transform public office into "an avenue for lifetime private enrichment rather than a platform for selfless public service."
The opposition called on Assembly members to reject the bills and withdraw them immediately. It urged civil society organisations, labour unions and advocacy groups to mobilise citizens against what it termed legislative overreach.
The PDP appealed to residents to pressure their elected representatives to vote against the legislation. The party insisted that public funds should address insecurity, infrastructure, healthcare, education and other critical needs instead.
The opposition party vowed to use all lawful and democratic means to fight the proposed legislation. It pledged sustained opposition until the Assembly abandons the pension bills entirely.
