The Plateau State House of Assembly has withdrawn a controversial bill seeking to provide life pensions and retirement benefits for former lawmakers following widespread opposition from organised labour, civil society organisations and residents of the state.
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The withdrawal was announced on Wednesday in Jos by the Majority Leader of the Assembly and Chairman of the Joint Committee on Rules and Business, Finance and House Services, Joseph Gokum.
The proposed legislation sought to provide pension allowances and other retirement benefits for former members, principal officers and presiding officers of the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The bill, which was introduced earlier in July and had passed second reading, immediately attracted public criticism, with opponents describing it as insensitive and disconnected from the economic realities facing workers and pensioners in the state.
The Plateau State councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, alongside a coalition of civil society organisations, argued that it was unjustifiable for lawmakers to pursue lifetime financial benefits while the state was still struggling with pension and gratuity arrears owed to retired civil servants.
The groups described the proposal as anti-people, self-serving and wasteful, warning that it would deepen inequality and further erode public confidence in government at a time of severe economic hardship.
They also threatened to begin an indefinite occupation and shutdown of the Assembly complex from July 30 if the lawmakers refused to withdraw the bill.
The Chairman of the Plateau State NLC, Eugene Manji, had said workers would remain at the Assembly until the legislation was abandoned, maintaining that legislative autonomy was secured to strengthen democracy rather than promote the personal enrichment of political office holders.
The state TUC Chairman, Kenneth Shammah, also criticised the proposal, noting that some pensioners were still waiting for benefits dating back several decades while lawmakers who served limited tenures sought lifetime payments.
The civil society coalition, led by Steve Aluko, said public office should be regarded as service rather than a pathway to permanent financial benefits from public funds.
Opposition to the bill also dominated radio discussions, social media platforms, public meetings and other civic engagements across Jos and other parts of Plateau State.
Announcing the withdrawal, Gokum said the Assembly carefully considered the concerns raised by labour unions, civil society groups and concerned citizens.
“The decision followed careful consideration of the concerns raised by civil society organisations, labour unions and concerned citizens of Plateau State,” he said.
The Majority Leader said the Assembly acknowledged the economic difficulties facing residents and recognised its obligation to make laws that promote equity, fairness and the welfare of the wider population.
“We acknowledge and respect the position of our stakeholders. Their voices reflect the realities of our time and the expectations of the people we serve,” Gokum said.
“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that every law we make promotes equity, fairness and the overall welfare of all Plateau citizens, especially workers and pensioners who have given years of service to the state.”
He then formally announced the decision of the joint committee to discontinue further consideration of the legislation.
“In view of the foregoing, and after due deliberation by the Joint Committee, we have resolved to withdraw the bill,” he said.
Gokum described the withdrawal as a demonstration of maturity, humility and respect for public opinion.
He thanked organised labour, civil society organisations and residents who publicly expressed their opposition to the proposed legislation, saying their participation had strengthened democratic accountability.
“We sincerely appreciate the civil society organisations, labour unions and all Plateau citizens who engaged with us constructively on this matter. Your vigilance strengthens our democracy,” he said.
The withdrawal effectively ends the immediate threat of a labour-led occupation of the Assembly complex and halts the proposed creation of lifetime financial obligations for former state legislators.
Labour leaders welcomed the decision, describing it as a victory for public accountability and people-centred governance.
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