Following in the footsteps of former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, the immediate-past Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has decided to forfeit his pensions as a former governor for the period he will be in the Senate.
Recall that in a letter to the Ogun State governor, OGD, as Otunba Daniel is fondly called, was the first senator and former governor to suspend his benefits for the sake of integrity. READ HERE
Bello was the governor of Niger State for two terms (2015 to 2023) before being elected as the senator representing Niger North senatorial district in the National Assembly last February 25.
Bello in a letter he personally signed and sent to the state Governor, Alhaji Mohammadu Umaru Bago, on September 6, 2023, which was seen on various social media platforms, stated: “I write to request for the suspension of my pension and allowances from the government of Niger State for the duration of my service as a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency would recall that I was inaugurated as a senator representing Niger North in the Senate on June 13, 2023.
“I deem it ethically and morally improper to benefit from my pension and allowances as the former governor while I take emoluments as a senator.
“The suspension should last until I give notice to the contrary after my service as a senator.”
When contacted, the Special Adviser to Governor Bago on Print Media, Ms. Aisha Wakaso, confirmed the receipt of the letter from the former governor.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
