Ex-governors Pension Debate: What you need to know about the National cake goldmine.

Barely a month after Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-olu, submitted a bill to the State house of assembly asking for the abolishment of the pension payment of ex-governors, the reasons behind the actions of the governor is yet to be fully understood by some members of the public.

However, during Channels TV's morning program Sunrise Daily, Political analysts and social commentators shed lights into what turned out to be an humongous gratuity enjoyed by ex-governors of the state.

The gratuity which was signed into a law in the Public office holders(Payment of Pension Law 2007) provides for payment of pension & other entitlements to former governors and their deputies.

While taking an eagle-eyed perspective into groaning of incumbent state governors over the excesses of the pension laws, it was revealed that the laws were a clear attempt by ex policy makers to milk the states and impoverish them for personal gain.

Below are some of the items in the pension laws as illustrated during the program:

•Annual Basic Salary: 100% of annual basic salaries of the incumbent governor and deputy.

•Accommodation: One residential house in Lagos and another in FCT for the former governor; one residential house in Lagos for the deputy.

•Transport: Three cars, two back-up cars and one pilot car for the ex-governor every three years; two cars, two back-up cars and one pilot car for the deputy every three years.

•Furniture: 300% of annual basic salary every two years.

•House maintenance: 10% of annual basic salary.

•Domestic staff: Cook, steward, gardener, and other domestic staff (no limit) who shall be pensionable.

•Medical: Free medical treatment for ex-governor and deputy and members of their families (not just spouses).

•Security: Two SSS operatives, one female officer, eight policemen (four each for house and personal security) for the ex-governor; one SSS operative and two policemen (one each for house and personal security) for the deputy.

•PA: 25% of annual basic salary.

•Car maintenance: 30% of annual basic salary.

•Entertainment: 10% of annual basic salary.

•Utility: 20% of annual basic salary.

•Drivers: Pensionable (no limit to number of drivers).

•Severance gratuity: Not specified.

With states struggling to pay salaries due to the untold economic hardship caused by the continues dwindling of Oil price in the international market and economic impact of the global pandemic, It has evidently become a necessity that government across all levels began to cut the cost of governance.