Gbenga Daniel requests suspension of his pension

Nigerians are buzzing when Gbenga Daniel, a senator for Ogun East, requested that the suspension of his pension as a former state governor.

In a letter to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Daniel—who was chosen in February to represent Ogun East in the red chamber of the 10th National Assembly—demanded that he immediately stop receiving his monthly pension and benefits.

The former governor stated that his decision to have his N676,376.95 monthly payout suspended was motivated by "good conscience."

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.”

IPC Justice, an organisation dedicated to reorganising Nigeria and looking into corruption in politics and the judiciary, reacted to the development by praising Gbenga Daniel.

However, the group asked Daniel to also suggest cutting the National Assembly budget by 50%.

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.

Source