About Seventeen state governors will hand over to their successors on May 29, 2023 and retire into lives of luxury with generous benefits for their services to their respective states even as Nigeria is faced with economic crises, massive debt, unhappy and underpaid workers and pensioners.
Some of the outgoing governors, most of who will be completing two terms of eight years in office on May 28, will be entitled to generous monetary pensions, mansions to be built in locations of their choice, luxury vehicles and as well as security aides, among others, based on laws passed by their respective state houses of assembly.
1. Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State
Governor Wike and his deputy, will enjoy generous benefits after leaving office as provided in the Rivers State Pensions for Governor and Deputy Governor Law, in 2012.
The law provides that three new vehicles should be purchased for former governors, and the vehicles are to be changed every four years. This is in addition to the payment of 100 per cent of their basic salaries, 300 per cent of their annual basic salary for furniture, free medical services and provision for entertainment. Same with their deputies.
The pension law for former governors and their deputies was signed by the former governor Rotimi Amaechi and made other provisions such as two choice houses in any area of their choice in Rivers State and Abuja and three cars replaceable every three years for the governor.
So Governor Wike will be entitled to all these except he decides otherwise.
2. Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is entitled to a furnished duplex in Delta State or any other state in the country; medical treatment for him and members of his immediate family; two vehicles, including a utility vehicle every two years. two armed policemen and one DSS officer; 15 days’ annual vacation in any place of his choice and other benefits. The deputy governor is also entitled to similar package.
The law makes provision for ex-governors to be paid allowances and other benefits pegged at N50m yearly.
The Delta State Governor and Deputy Governor Pension Rights and other Benefits Law, 2005 was signed into law by former governor James Ibori, who ruled the state between 1999 and 2007
3. Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State
Akwa Ibom reportedly spends an average of N267.78m yearly on ex-governors and their deputies and Governor Emmanuel and his deputy are expected to enjoy the same as the state’s Pension Act, signed in 2014.
They are also entitled to the replacement of official and utility vehicles every four years and N100m as medical allowance as provided for in the law.
The Governor Pension Rights and other Benefits Law was signed into law by former governor of the state, Godswill Akpabio.
4. Governor Ganduje of Kano State
Governor Ganduje and his deputy are entitled to 100 per cent of their basic salaries, six-bedroom house and free medical treatment for them and members of their families upon handover on May 29, 2023.
The law guiding pension rights for former governors and deputy governors also states that they will get well equipped offices.
5. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State
Governor Ikpeazu is entitled to 100 per cent of his salary and official vehicles worth N20m to be replaced every four years, two operatives of the DSS, two policemen for the security of his house, as well as allowances for cooks, stewards, driver and gardener, while his deputy will enjoy similar benefits.
The law also made provision for medical attention for the former governors, their families and their deputies.
The Pension Law for former governors and deputy governors of the state also provides that former governors are entitled to pensions, allowances and privileges in accordance with the State law.
