Prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has called on former governors now serving as senators to immediately stop collecting pensions from their states.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Falana described the practice as tantamount to receiving double salary. He praised ex-governors Gbenga Daniel and Ibrahim Dankwanbo who recently declined pensions after being elected senators.
The senior advocate noted that the governors’ pension scheme has already been abolished in Kwara, Imo and Zamfara states. He urged other state legislatures to follow suit and repeal the law.
Falana referenced two court judgments that declared such pensions for ex-governors illegal and unconstitutional. In November 2019, a Federal High Court ordered pensions collected by former governors in the Senate and federal cabinet to be recovered.
The National Industrial Court also nullified the Taraba state pension law for former governors and deputies in a 2016 verdict. Falana commended Daniel and Dankwanbo for complying with the court decisions.
The human rights lawyer decried the situation where at least 20 ex-governors in the legislature and executive still draw the controversial pensions despite the court rulings.
Falana said public office holders electing to serve in other positions should not continue enjoying pensions from their previous office, especially when courts have ruled it unconstitutional. He called on the ex-governors to honor the judiciary and stop the scandalous double payments.
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
