Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun state and the lawmaker representing Ogun East, has written to Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun requesting a suspension of his monthly retirement benefits.
The lawmaker in a letter acknowledged and stamped by the office of the Governor of Ogun State noted that he could not continue to collect such emolument with free conscience.
Senator Daniel also clarified that since he left office, he had not got any other form of welfare in terms of medical, furniture, or other allowances.
The letter read, “I write to request the suspension of my monthly pension/allowances of N676,376.95 (gross) (Six hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Three hundred Seventy-Six Naira, Ninety-Five kobo) being paid as a former governor of Ogun State.
“This request is in line with my conscience, moral principle, and ethical code against double emoluments that as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who hitherto was a former State Governor, shall not be entitled to the payment of pension and allowances from such state.”
The Ogun lawmaker in the letter added, “It would be recalled that on Tuesday 13th June 2023, I was with other elected Senators and Members of the House of Representatives inaugurated as members of the 10th National Assembly.
“It is pertinent to also have it on record that since I left the office in 2011, I have not benefitted from any welfare packages be it Medical, Furniture, transportation, etc.”
The former Governor’s gesture has been greeted with mixed reactions. While some people commended him, some others took it with a pinch of salt.
One person commented, “So you just took leave from collecting that one, since you have a fresh one which comes with some mouth-watering allowances for now. I know this sounds like a good feat to you Sir, and indeed it is RELATIVELY a good feat (I must be really honest), but that’s because we are in Nigeria. In land where dominated by kidnappers, armed robbers would consider themselves as saints…
“Now, here’s the real issue. You left being Governor since 2011. So you’ve collected the money for 12 gooooooood years.
“On the other hand, Peter Obi left Anambra as Governor since 2014, and has since then not taken even a sachet of water from the State… So you see why people like us don’t really rate this, even though we may commend you in comparison to the other hardened criminals.
Please, let’s stop all this attempt to play on the intelligence of Nigerians. I’m begging you guys, STOP IT! What’s that talk if “this is the only payment and package I get…… bla bla bla”. You have had other additions like cars, perhaps houses, and even State paid employees. So please STOP IT!…
Another wrote, “Why come here to announce it? This isn’t a competition sir. Do your thing in silence and it will speak for you, you don’t have to speak for yourself. If it’s not speaking out loud then you are not doing enough! Abeg, keep the camera at home when helping the poor!
Yet, another commented, “Good bless you sir, God bless me, God bless Nigeria and Nigerians.”
At least, one of the lots claim conscience, let us hope some others will follow suit. Democracy is growing in Nigeria.
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