On the N200m retirement benefit for Oshiomole, deputy

My attention has been drawn to the outrageous pension package the Edo State government plans to give to the immediate past governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu. I want to state clearly that it is unnecessary, especially at a time like this. Why would a state consider such when workers are […]

My attention has been drawn to the outrageous pension package the Edo State government plans to give to the immediate past governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and his deputy, Dr. Pius Odubu. I want to state clearly that it is unnecessary, especially at a time like this.
Why would a state consider such when workers are still being owed salaries and so many jobless youths are roaming the streets? There is also the issue of arrears of senior citizens who served the state meritoriously.
Already, Edo State is owing over N200 billion, which will take several years to clear. How then can such a state afford a huge package for an ex-governor and his deputy?
I urge the state Assembly to   repeal the pension law immediately. Anyone elected as governor should see it as a call to service and not an opportunity to enrich himself.
The new governor should start by unveiling his plans for the ordinary people of the state who voted him into power, rather than looking for ways to make people who are already comfortable richer.
The proposal is disheartening, considering that it is coming at a time when many people can barely afford one meal a day. Some children have already been sent home from their respective schools because their parents cannot pay the fees. Please, I call on all those concerned to ensure that the pensions bill is not signed into law.
Usman Abubakar wrote from NPS quarters, Abuja.