The Benue state House of Assembly has temporarily suspended its plenary due to the non-payment of salaries and allowances owed to its members for the past six months.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that this decision has resulted in the controversial Executive Pension Bill, proposed by Governor Samuel Ortom, being put on hold for approval.
This newspaper learnt that Governor-elect Hyacinth Alia has criticized the bill, which would offer former state governors permanent accommodation and four new cars every four years.
In addition, the bill proposes the hiring of six personal staff for former governors and three for former deputy governors, as well as free medical treatment for the former governors, their spouses, and at least four of their children under 18.
According to Bem Mngutyo, a member of the House, the decision to suspend plenary was made in light of the unresolved issue of their outstanding salaries and emoluments.
The lawmaker further revealed that Governor Ortom reportedly met with the Peoples Democratic Party caucus of the House last weekend to discuss the matter and promised to settle the arrears before leaving office in 18 days using the state’s May federal allocation, The Nation reported.
