FG Challenges SERAP To Provide List Of Ex-Governors Collecting Life Pension

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to furnish it with the list of ex-governors drawing life pension from their states.

The government, in a statement through the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) noted that the list will help it to comply with the 2019 judgment of Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, pronouncing life pension for ex-governors as immoral.

Naija News understands the judge had ordered the office of the AGF to take steps to file a suit to challenge various state laws that permit former governors to draw life pension and also recover all funds collected as life pension by former governors.

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oludare, who confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, disclosed the anti-corruption group had received a letter dated February 24, 2020 from the Office of the AGF, requesting them to supply the government with the list of ex-governors on life pension so appropriate action can be taken.

SERAP added that the letter was signed on behalf of Malami by the Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law Department in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Anne Akwiwu.

Oludare noted the AGF’s letter was a reply to a recent letter by SERAP, urging the AGF to “advise and persuade President Muhammadu Buhari to fully enforce the court judgment.”

“Kindly refer to your letter dated 6th December, 2019. I am writing to inform your esteemed organisation to furnish me with the full list of the former governors and ministers who are affected by the judgment by Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo, in order to enhance and ensure compliance with the ruling of the honourable court. Please, treat with utmost urgency,” the AGF’s letter said.