Proposed Pension, Immunity For Saraki, Dogara Immoral – Sagay, TUC

The Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to disregard any bill from the National Assembly on life pension and immunity for its principal officers.

Also, the Trade Union Congress has strongly condemned the proposed life pension for principal officers of the National Assembly, describing it as ungodly and disgraceful.

In the same vein, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign and Domestic Debts, Senator Shehu Sani, on Monday, opposed the proposed life pension and immunity for principal officers of the National Assembly.
The immunity and life pension for the presiding officers were proposed by some senators at a retreat organised by the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review in Lagos on Saturday.

Among others, the senators want the presiding officers of the National Assembly, such as the Senate President, Deputy Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, to enjoy life pension and immunity.

While speaking with one of our correspondents on Monday, Sagay described the proposal as outrageous and annoying.

The senior advocate said the Senate seemed to be an institution where members only sought to promo Sagay said he did not understand the rationale for life pension for the principal officers when the lawmakers received salaries monthly.

He said, “Saraki is a former governor. Is he not earning pension in Kwara already? The proposal is annoying, immoral and outrageous; it is the height of insensitivity. These demands show that they don’t fear Nigerians.

“Those pushing for the demands should have asked how the public would react before presenting the demands. I will ask the President to totally disregard the bill. The President should veto such bill if it ever gets to his desk.”

On the immunity for the principal officers, Sagay said seeking immunity was tantamount to planning for a crime and demanding immunity in advance to cover it up.

“Many are still questioning the immunity granted to the President and the governors and then some are proposing immunity for senators. Should all Nigerians be asking for immunity then? I am so shocked that some could be dreaming of such outrageous and annoying idea, it is nonsensical,” he added.

The President and Acting Secretary-General of the TUC, Messrs Bala Kaigama and Simeso Amachree respectively, also flayed the federal lawmakers for the proposal…  read more

culled from Punch