The Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa and other lawmakers have moved against Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s attempt to repeal the humongous pension entitlements for Bola Tinubu, other ex-governors, and ex-deputy governors.

The bill to repeal the Public Officer Holder (Payment of Pension Law 2007) scaled second reading at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, with lawmakers calling for its amendment rather than outright repeal.

The Pension Law 2007, introduced 14 years ago, makes provision for the payment of juicy pension and other entitlements to former elected governors and their deputies in Lagos.

The legislators argued that it would be unfair to repeal the law in its entirety.

Oluyinka Ogundimu (Agege II) explained that the bill was to ensure the stoppage of pensions to governors and deputies when they leave office, pointing out that the bill was in consideration of the country’s current economic challenges.

Mr Ogundimu, however, said the governors, their deputies, and other political officeholders should enjoy some benefits no matter how little.

The lawmaker urged the parliament to amend the bill not to expose former political officers to security challenges if the original law was repealed.

According to him, the new bill should not withdraw all the security agents and domestic staff attached to ex-governors, ex-deputy governors, and others due to the security challenges in the country.

On his part, Gbolahan Yishawu (Eti-Osa II) noted that the parliament had the power to make and review laws, especially regarding pension.

According to him, the bill passed 14 years ago needs to be looked at again.

Mr Yishawu added that the bill’s objective, as raised by Mr Sanwo-Olu, was to ensure that the state begins to look inward concerning the cost of governance.

“By virtue of my position as chairman of the committee on economic planning and budget, I have had the opportunity to check the finances of the state.

“I would say Lagos is not very rich, but only has people who effectively manage its resources,” he said.

He also agreed that the security of the lives of the concerned ex-political officeholders when they leave office should be considered, urging that the bill be committed to a committee.

Rotimi Abiru (Shomolu II) said he supported an amendment to the law instead of repeal.

“For a person who has served as chief executive of a state, I do not think it is nice denying them of their benefits,” stated Mr Abiru. “I can appreciate that some of them move to other appointments. For these people, there can be a caveat.”

He added, “However, for those who serve in that capacity and do not have any other thing to do after office, it may not be something elaborate, but something may be coming to them periodically.”

Other lawmakers who supported an amendment to the law included Jude Idimogu (Oshodi-Isolo II), Saad Olumo (Ajeromi-Ifelodun I), and Mr Abdulsobur Olawale (Mushin II).

Mr Obasa, while rounding off the debate, observed the questions and suggestions raised by the lawmakers.

Mr Obasa also supported arguments that repealing the law in totality would expose former governors and deputies to security challenges.

Based on the arguments by the lawmakers on the floor, “I did not think the bill should be trashed in totality,” Mr Obasa said.

Mr Obasa, however, committed the bill to the House Committee on Establishment with a two-week mandate for a report to be submitted.