Happy days continue for former presidents
By Festus Owete
January 4, 2010

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Nigeria's former presidents and heads of state who are still alive should get an even better deal from the federal government this year following plans by the National Assembly to review their monthly welfare package upwards.

[size=14pt]The legislature is planning to increase the former leaders' package from N250 million proposed in the 2010 budget to about N2 billion.[/size]

The chairman of the House of Representatives committee on appropriation, Ayo Adeseun, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with NEXT.

The money is meant to take care of the former leaders' pension, medicare, yearly vacation abroad, offices and general maintenance. This is besides the N500,000 each of the former leaders is reportedly paid whenever they attend the Council of State meeting, which is held periodically.

Well deserved?

Only seven out of the 12 presidents and heads of states who have ruled the country are still alive. They are Yakubu Gowon (1966-1975), Olusegun Obasanjo (1975-1979 and 1999-2007), Shehu Shagari (1979-1983), Muhammadu Buhari (1983-1985), and Ibrahim Babangida (1985-1993). The others are Ernest Shonekan (Aug 1993-November 17, 1993), and Abdulsalam Abubakar (1998-1999) .

Those who have passed on are Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (prime minister), Aguiyi-Ironsi, amilitary general (Jan 1966-July 1966), Nnamdi Azikiwe (ceremonial president), Murtala Muhammed and Sani Abacha, both of who were military rulers.

[size=16pt]Mr. Adeseun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State said the former leaders deserved better treatment because of the services they rendered to the country, adding that they will convince the executive arm during the budget defence sessions on the planned increase. The lawmaker stated that the N250 million in the 2010 budget is inadequate for the welfare of the leaders, due to the rising cost of living and other issues.[/size]

He also said that the vehicles for the former leaders are due for replacement. "Yes, I am aware of the allocation, but we think it is inadequate," he said. "We think we should review the allocation to about N2 billion, if it is the one you are talking about. This money is meant to take care of their accommodation, vehicles, medical expenses and other allowances. These are people who have served this nation and they should be properly taken care of."

Asked how the lawmakers would convince the executive on the matter, the lawmaker said "it is not for them to convince us, we will convince them. They are still coming to defend the budget and so during our interaction we will talk about it."

The welfare train

Allocations for the former leaders' welfare began in 2005, when a total of N140 million was set aside for them in that year's budget. Subsequently, the following allocations were made - N105 million (2006); N24 million (2008) and N250 million (2009). However, no allocation was made in the 2007 budget. It may have been integrated into another item under the office of the SGF.

Until 2008 when the allocation was brought under the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), it was treated under the Presidency or State House.

The emolument is different from that of the sitting president, who takes home N3.5 million annually. The president also earns various forms of allowances.

There have been many contentious issues over the welfare package and allowances of the former presidents and heads of state. For instance, several human rights activists have argued that former military leaders should not be entitled to the package because they rebelled against the Nigerian state by seizing power in military coup d'etat.

There have also been allegations that the emoluments of the former leaders is politicised by sitting governments. For instance, in November 2008, the federal government allegedly withdrew the vehicles attached to Mr. Buhari because of his role in the planned formation of a mega party by opposition figures in the country to challenge the ruling PDP. Mr. Buhari was the presidential candidate of the opposition All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003 and 2007 elections.

But the Office of the SGF refuted the claim. According to Salisu Dambatta, a deputy director (information) in the office of the SGF, in a statement, "It is normal to allocate vehicles to all former presidents and replace such vehicles when the need arises. In line with that practice, General Buhari's vehicle was replaced in 2008 with a new one."

On the regularity of the payments, Mr. Dambatta said "Some of the packages are paid as and when due, while some are paid on a quarterly basis. All benefits former heads of state are treated equally. For the avoidance of doubt, government has never stopped General Buhari's pension."

A spokesperson of The Buhari Organisation (TBO), Osita Okechukwu, however told NEXT last Thursday that the Peugeot car recovered from the former head of state is yet to be returned to him.

Mr. Okechukwu, who is also the spokesperson of the opposition Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), revealed that it was the Sani Abacha administration that gave Mr. Buhari the vehicle, noting that "even Obasanjo did not give him anything."

That N500, 000 allowance

Aside from the welfare package, each of the former leaders who are automatic members of the Council of State collects N500,000 whenever they attend the meeting.

This is included in the "Certain Political and Judicial Officer Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act" that was prepared by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

The Council of State is an advisory body which meets six times a year to deliberate and take decision on crucial issues affecting the country.

Membership of the council, according to Section 153 (1)(b), paragraph 5 includes the president, who shall be chairman; the vice president, who shall be the deputy chairman and all former presidents of the federation and former heads of government.

It also includes all former chief justices of Nigeria, the president of the senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the 36 state governors and the Attorney General of the Federation.

http://234next.com/csp/cms/sites/Next/News/Metro/Politics/5505628-146/story.csp

I can't believe we are paying IBB for stealing from us.

Mr. Adeseun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State said the former leaders deserved better treatment because of the services they rendered to the country, adding that they will convince the executive arm during the budget defence sessions on the planned increase. The lawmaker stated that the N250 million in the 2010 budget is inadequate for the welfare of the leaders, due to the rising cost of living and other issues.

Sometimes I wonder if these people are high on cocaine.
What services rendered?
Do you have a picture of the Mr. Adeseun?

Talk of misplaced priorities!!!

Sometimes I wount know what to say as regard our leaders

2 bn annually? I doubt it. There are so many rumours and unsubstantiated stories making the rounds. 234next is one junk journalism outfit.

I don die oooooooooooooooo. These people no go kill us. Dey don't take us serious, do they?

Mekusxyz:

2 bn annually? I doubt it. There are so many rumours and unsubstantiated stories making the rounds. 234next is one junk journalism outfit.

Seeing as how they quoted a member of the House verbatim, what exactly is there to doubt?

. . . and the ridicule goes on.
This is not funny anymore.

My observation is that obasanjo has ruled nigeria the most(12 years),IBB(8 years) and Gowon(9 years).in summary more than half of nigerias 50 years of existence was under these three men.they should give us account of these 29 wasted years before getting any benefits.

holy shit

Mr. Adeseun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State said the former leaders deserved better treatment because of the[b] services they rendered to the country[/b]

Services they rendered to the country? After looting the treasury systematically to the tune of 400 billion dollars over four decades with impunity. They are all currently billionaires, this is absolutely scandalous. Just when you think you've seen it all, Na wah ooo

Politicians . . . wat 'll they not do 2 loot our treasury. N2b?

I dont believe it but lets wait and see!

This is so cool.

It's outrageous !

It's outrageous !

ex-presidents are the nigeria we are talking about. the funds belongs to them and they decide who gets what, when and how.
to me, i wld ask that the pay be increased to N10bn.

That is N300 Million per annum each
That is N25 Million per month each
That is N1 Million per day each minus Sunday
If working 24 hours a day = N41,667 per hour
If working 8 hours a day = N125,000 per hour

But they don't even actively work for the nation. So they attend Council of State Meetings, but they are paid N500,000 allowance each for each session. All these on top is also welfare provisions, cars, police escorts etc. etc.

1m per day? E no go beta 4 these ppl oo

Display of madness. What about the monies these ex-leaders stole ?
God will save us one day.

Firstly, the governments of these rulers was illegitimate. They were military dictators who seized government with violence. The only ex with a legit government is obasanjo and shagari.
Secondly, these ex's were criminal minded bastards who destroyed this country's dreams and hopes. They wasted our resources maximally and enriched themselves.

1 million per day. . .cos the cost of living is too high, yet our doctors were labelled as greedy cos they wanted 500,000 per month. Talk about misplaced priorities

It's time y'all stopped ranting on the internet, the animals KNOW Nigerians will "wait on god"so that "his will will be done", insha allah.

Maybe if you let those neanderthals feel unbelievable sorrow they will think before speaking and acting.

It is said that history is written by the victors. In that case Nigerians stay losing and IBB n co will never feel the wrath of justice, hell, IBB is now refered to as a former PRESIDENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aloy.Emeka:

I can't believe we are paying IBB for stealing from us.

I'm completely lost for words & you said it perfectly. . . a country that can't increase the salaries of university lecturers

The council of state thingy is illegal,[size=38pt]how can you have coup plotters recognised by the constitution?? [/size]

Wait for your turn!!!

, Lol

This is official looting, constitutionalised!

stillwater:

Mr. Adeseun, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State said the former leaders deserved better treatment because of the services they rendered to the country

Sometimes I wonder if these people are high on cocaine.
What services rendered?
Do you have a picture of the Mr. Adeseun?

I just cant imagine the services they rendered leaving us in this state.

O ga fun ilu yi o

The headline is misleading as it's only a proposal.

The status quo is a direct insult to the generality of hard working Nigerian's in essence what it says is you Nigerian citizens are foolish buffoons, keep quite while we legalize looting the treasury.

The proposal as it stands is insult to injury, I am repulsed to the extreme and I have no adjective to describe this affront to common decency by our so called political leaders.

Ironsi, Murtala, Gowon,Babangida, Obasanjo, Buhari, committed acts of treason when they carried out military coup’s and overthrew the legitimate representative governments and or did not protect it as their oath of duty obligates them to do.

The NEC has one objective to protect the interest of their sponsors not the public interest or to uphold the constitution, let Nigerians die in their thousands for lack of health care, education, electricity, bad roads, etc, etc, etc. These guys will not bat an eye lid, they are an insult to humanity.

I can see why Goodluck(not that he is any better) has not been allowed to carry out his constitutional and mandatory obligation to be President, in the event of the President being indisposed or dead as the case may actually be.

Furthermore our dishonest and devoid of integrity lower and upper houses have refused to allow the Freedom of Information bill, I believe what we don’t know is so, so, so much worse than what we do.

Finally its clear that this current set of politicians have covenanted with devil and yes they will all go to hell, but they want to give us hell before they finally go. I Tire !!!!!

I am lost for words !!

Wonder why nigerians are surprised. The national cake is circulated within a few ppl and its either u r in it or not. Those not in it will always complain (bloggin about it, shouting yepa or typin 'ohh no its impossible'   and do nothing about it ) and those eating will be quiet and share piece of the cake with their family and friends. The other option is to work hard and do what you can do for the messed up country and also help ppl in need in the country

Have a good evening ppl  

Jairzinho:

I'm completely lost for words & you said it perfectly. . . a country that can't increase the salaries of university lecturers 

The council of state thingy is illegal,[size=38pt]how can you have coup plotters recognised by the constitution??  [/size]

LWKMD

If succeed in your coup, it becomes illegal but if you fail, you shall cry like Oladipo and adisa.