July 07, (THEWILL) – A former governor of Ogun state and senator representing Ogun East in the 10th National Assembly, Gbenga Daniel, has requested that his pension and allowances as a former governor of the state, be suspended.
Daniel said “good conscience” informed his decision to have his monthly payment of N676,376.95 suspended.
“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 N676,376.95 kobo, being gross payment for my pension and allowances as former governor of 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”, he said.
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.”
