Vanguard news reported that the Benue State House of Assembly has passed a bill that will see former governors of the state receive a maintenance allowance of N25 million every four years. The bill, which was passed on Thursday, also provides for a yearly medical allowance of N15 million for former deputy governors.
The bill, which was sponsored by Mr. Geoffrey Agbatse, the chairman of the House Committee on Appointments, Public Service and Pension Matters, was passed after it was read for the third time.
The bill provides that a former governor is entitled to a monthly stipend equivalent to the basic salary of a serving governor, while a former deputy governor is entitled to a monthly stipend equivalent to the basic salary of a serving deputy governor.
The bill also provides for a yearly medical allowance of N15 million for former deputy governors.
The passage of the bill has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, saying that it is a way of appreciating former governors for their service to the state. Others have criticized the move, saying that it is a waste of public funds.
The bill is yet to be signed into law by the governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom.
