Society Gists

A member representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has requested for the suspension of his monthly pension and allowances as a former governor of Ogun State.

Although unexpected of a typical Nigerian politician, this is not coming as a shock because Otunba Daniel has always advocated for ways of curbing wasteful spending in government.

In a letter made available to SocietyGists, Otunba Daniel stated that the decision was in line with his ethical code against double emolument.

“I write to request for the suspension of my monthly pension/ allowances of N676,376.95 (gross) (Six Hundred and Seventy Six Thousand, Three Hundred Seventy-Six Naira, Ninety Five Kobo) being paid to a Former Executive Governor of Ogun State.

“This request is in compliance with my conscience, moral principle and ethical code against double emoluments that a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who hitherto was a former State Governor, shall not be entitled to the payment of pension and allowances from such State,” he wrote.

This act would go record as the first former governor and serving senator to have requested for such.

“It would be recalled that on Tuesday, 13th June 2023, I was, with other Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, inaugurated as members of the 10th National Assembly.”

OGD, as he is fondly called, also reminded the governor that since he left office in 2011, none of his entitlements were paid, nor did he complain.

“It is pertinent to also have it on record that since I left office in 2011, I have not benefited from any welfare packages, be it medical, furniture, transportation, etc,” he concluded.

Otunba Gbenga Daniel was the governor of Ogun State from 2003 to 2011 and under whose administration the state recorded positive growth.