Pree statement
Ref: CEFSAN/HR/VOL. III/078
April 9, 2018
The Honourable Speaker,
Kano State House of Assembly,
Audu Bako Secretariat, Kano.
Dear Sir,
OBJECTION TO THE INCLUSION OF FORMER LEGISLATORS IN PENSION LAW AMENDMENT
It has come to our notice that the Kano State House of Assembly is set to include former Principal Officers of the House among the beneficiaries of the state pension scheme.
In your interview granted to media on the 2nd April, 2018, you stated that “the inclusion of lawmakers as beneficiaries of the pension scheme is vital considering their contribution and most of them after their service are not engaged in any employment.”
It is trite that laws are made for the peace, order and good governance, and it is out of this we write to register our objections and grievances to the proposed amendment.
Accordingly, the proposed amendment and/or inclusion is sentimental, self-centered and contrary to the provision of Section 124 (5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
Sir, it is now well settled that the Nigerian Constitution is the ground norm; all other laws derive their validity, utility, and efficacy from the Nigerian Constitution. If any other law is inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution, that other law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.
It is in view of the above, we clearly and categorically oppose your interest for the general interest of the good people of Kano State.
We therefore urge the Kano State House of Assembly to reconsider its stance on this issue, failure of which the mechanism of the Judiciary shall be tested.
While anticipating your earliest response, please accept the assurances of our highest esteem.
Yours Sincerely,
Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq
Executive Director