PDP Opposes Pension Bill for Plateau Assembly Members

The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed strong opposition to a proposed legislative bill aimed at providing pension and retirement benefits for former members of the Plateau State House of Assembly. The bill, sponsored by Eli Ankala, a member representing Rukuba/Irigwe constituency, seeks to establish a pension board to oversee these benefits.

It passed its second reading during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Daniel Nanlong. The PDP, through a statement signed by its Public Secretary, Choji Felix Dalyop, described the bill as reckless and insensitive, alleging that it is designed to create lifetime benefits for lawmakers at the expense of the public.

The party criticized the timing of the proposal, given the state's ongoing security issues and economic challenges, and called for its immediate withdrawal. They urged civil society organizations, labor unions, and citizens to mobilize against the bill, emphasizing the need to redirect public funds toward addressing pressing issues such as insecurity and infrastructure deficits.