7th July, 2023
Gbenga Daniel, senator representing Ogun east, has got Nigerians talking after he asked that his pension as a former governor of the state, be suspended.
Daniel, who was elected in February to represent Ogun east in the red chamber of the 10th national assembly, said he has written to Governor Dapo Abiodun to immediately stop his monthly pension and allowances.
The former governor noted that “good conscience” informed his decision to have his monthly payment of N676,376.95 suspended.
Daniel said: “After my inauguration at the Senate, I wrote H.E Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR, CON on June 14, 2023, to notify him of my decision to have the monthly payment of N676,376.95kobo being gross payment for my pension and allowances as former governor of the Ogun State suspended immediately.
“This decision, I made, in good conscience, moral principles and guiding ethics.
“It is also important to state that this is the only payment and package I get from the state government as a former governor.”
Reacting to the development, IPC Justice, a group committed to restructuring Nigeria and investigating corruption in politics and judiciary, showered praises on Gbenga Daniel.
The group, however, asked Daniel to also propose a 50% reduction in the National Assembly budget.
The statement from IPC Justice reads: “Sen. Gbenga Daniel’s decision to suspend his pension and allowances is a commendable one. Sen. Daniel’s decision is also a good example for other public officials to follow. We use this opportunity to ask you to propose a 50% reduction in the National Assembly budget.
“Nigeria is drowning in debt because of the high salaries of its public officials. The country cannot afford to continue to borrow to pay these salaries. A reduction in the National Assembly budget would free up resources that could be used to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“We believe that a 50% reduction in the National Assembly budget would be a fair and equitable measure. It would also send a strong message that the government is committed to fiscal responsibility.
“We urge you to take action and propose a reduction in the National Assembly budget by 50%. This would be a positive step for Nigeria and would help to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
“As of March 8, 2023, Nigeria’s total public debt is $100.07 billion. This includes external debt of $56.91 billion and domestic debt of $43.16 billion. The interest payments on Nigeria’s debt are $3.2 billion per year.”
A Nigerian who identified herself as Adenike also praised the former Ogun governor.
“This is thoughtful. Other past governors should emulate this. Thank you,” Adenike stated on Friday.
Another Nigerian Ife Salako said: “This is really commendable Sir.”