CSOs Reject Plateau Lawmakers’ Pension Bill, Demand Immediate Suspension.

A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Plateau State has strongly opposed the proposed bill seeking to provide pension allowances for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers, and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, describing it as “ill-timed, self-serving, and economically burdensome.”

In a press statement issued on Thursday, July 9, 2026, and signed by the Coalition’s Convener, Steve Aluko, the group argued that the proposed legislation does not reflect the pressing needs of Plateau citizens at a time when the state is facing severe economic challenges, insecurity, unemployment, and other critical development concerns.

According to the coalition, creating additional lifetime financial obligations for former political office holders is unjustifiable and inconsistent with the principles of transparency, accountability, and people-oriented governance.

The Coalition also faulted the legislative process surrounding the bill, alleging that it passed both its First and Second Readings on the same day without adequate scrutiny or public consultation.

It further expressed concern that the full contents of the proposed legislation have not been made available to the public, thereby denying citizens, labour unions, professional bodies, pensioners, and Civil Society Organizations the opportunity to examine a bill that could significantly impact public finances.

The Coalition maintained that Plateau State should instead focus on policies that promote economic growth, improve public services, and enhance the welfare of citizens rather than introducing legislation that appears to prioritize the interests of a few public office holders.

Consequently, the CSOs called on the Plateau State House of Assembly to immediately suspend further legislative consideration of the bill, publish its full contents, and subject it to a transparent public hearing involving citizens, labour unions, pensioners, civil society organizations, professional bodies, and economic experts.

The Coalition also urged the Plateau State Executive to withhold assent should the bill be passed in its current form.

“We unequivocally oppose any legislation that is self-serving, economically burdensome, and disconnected from the realities of the people. Plateau State deserves laws that advance inclusive economic development, promote fiscal responsibility, and place the interests of citizens above those of political office holders,” the statement added.

The press release was jointly endorsed by 21 civil society organizations, including the Community Development and Rights Advocacy Foundation, Voice Connect Development Initiatives (VCDI), Centre for the Advocacy of Justice and Rights (CAJR), Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Community Action for Popular Participation, Face of Peace, and several other advocacy groups across Plateau State.