From Tony Osauzo, Benin

The new amendment by the Edo State House of Assembly to the pension rights of former governors and deputies which now entitled them to houses worth N300 million, has  received knocks and condemnations from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and civil society groups in the state.
The House in amending the 2007 Pension Rights of the Governor and Deputy Governor Law on Wednesday, included the provision of a building valued at not more than N200 million for a former governor and another worth N100 million for his deputy, both of whom‎ were given the privilege of choosing their preferred locations for the houses. Also, the governor is to enjoy pension for life at a rate equivalent to 100 percent of his last annual salary, three vehicles every five years and free medical treatment for the governor and his immediate family.‎
The state Chairman of the PDP, Chief Dan Orbih, described the action of the lawmakers as anti-people and unacceptable. He said the amendment could not be justified, especially at a time the current recession was taking its toll on the citizens of the state.
Orbih called on Governor Godwin Obaseki to reject the amendment as a proof of his desire to run a people-oriented government.
“I want to state clearly that this amended bill by the state House of Assembly is a challenge to the man who has taken over the office of Adams Oshiomhole. For me, it is a rare opportunity for him to demonstrate that he is on the side of the people and the masses of our state.
“He should not assent to this bill.‎Anything short of rejecting this bill will be anti-people and Edo people are watching and waiting for his reaction,” he said.
‎Similarly, civil society groups, under the Edo Civil Society Organisations, have accused the House of promoting a ‘personal interest’ with the amendment.
“The recent action of EDHA is a huge disappointment to Edo people, owing to (the) recession in the country. The way and swiftness in stepping down the House rules for that purpose has shown that what matters to them is their personal interest.
“It is painful seeing legislators taking their personal gains more than the will of the people that elected them,” the group said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Osazee Edigin.