The Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Anti- Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay has expressed his strong disapproval of the proposed life pension for principal officers of the National Assembly.
The Constitutional lawyer particularly condemned the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki for wanting additional privileges from the nation knowing fully well that he already collects entitlements as a two-time governor of Kwara state.
Voicing his strong disapproval, Prof. Sagay described the move as disturbing, unacceptable and insensitive.
He said: “It is disturbing. I recently granted an interview where I stated that the senators basically are there just for themselves. They are there to promote their private and personal interests at the expense of the rest of the country. They don’t just give a hoot about what happens to Nigeria as long as they are promoting their selfish and egoistic interests. This recent action by the lawmakers has further confirmed that”.
He continued: “How can a man who has just become a Senate President and will stay there at the most for four years be demanding for pension? Already, (Bukola) Saraki is enjoying pension as a former governor of Kwara state. Now, he wants another pension from the federal government through the National Assembly.
“So, he is turning himself into a baby who is going to be fed with feeding bottle full of milk by the federal government and then from his own state. So, forever he is like a little child that cannot stand on his two feet and has to be padded right, left and centre, sustained and maintained throughout his life by federal and state agencies”.
Sagay further added that the move by the lawmakers is ridiculous especially considering the current economic position of the nation.
“People should have some self-respect. Apart from the fact that it is totally immoral, unacceptable and insensitive because of the state of our economy, it is completely unjust. I think we should disregard it. If that bill is passed, the president of course should veto it and we move on. It is unthinkable and it shows that they have no respect for the people of this country”