The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has opposed a bill before the State House of Assembly seeking to grant life pensions to lawmakers, describing the proposal as self-serving and detrimental to the state’s economic stability.
The party argued that the proposed legislation would place an additional financial burden on the state at a time of mounting security challenges and economic hardship.
Its position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the PDP Publicity Secretary, Choji Felix, who alleged that the bill, sponsored in the APC-dominated House of Assembly, was designed to provide lifelong financial benefits for lawmakers rather than address the needs of the people.
“The mandate given to lawmakers is to legislate for the common good, not to create state-funded wealth for themselves at the expense of the people,” the statement said.
The PDP warned that, if passed into law, the bill could set a dangerous precedent by encouraging the use of public office for personal enrichment.
It therefore called on members of the House of Assembly to withdraw the bill immediately.
The party also urged civil society organisations, labour unions and advocacy groups to mobilise peaceful opposition, while encouraging residents to engage their representatives and demand the rejection of the proposal.
The PDP pledged to pursue all lawful and democratic means to ensure the bill does not become law.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State House of Assembly had not responded to the concerns raised by the opposition party.