"FG faces contempt suit from SERAP over failure to reclaim double pay from former governors"

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a contempt lawsuit against the Federal Government and the Attorney-General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN), for failing to recover over N40 billion double pay and life pensions from former governors who are serving as lawmakers and ministers. 

In November 2019, Justice Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, Lagos, ordered the Federal Government to recover life pensions collected by former governors serving as ministers and members of the National Assembly. 

The judge directed Mr. Malami to challenge the legality of states’ life pension laws that allow former governors and other ex-public officials to collect such pensions. 

However, the Buhari administration has failed to implement the judgment. Justice Oguntoyinbo expressed regret during a valedictory court session that the order has not been obeyed. SERAP moved to enforce the judgment by filing a Form 48 contempt suit at the Federal High Court, Lagos. 

It argued that it is unacceptable for the government to routinely ignore and fail to abide by court orders, thereby making the court the guardian of justice in the country, taken for a ride. 

SERAP had requested Mr. Malami to institute legal action to challenge the legality of state laws allowing former governors to enjoy life pensions while drawing normal salaries and allowances in their new political offices and to fully recover public funds from those involved. 

At least 22 states, including Lagos State, have reportedly passed life pensions laws for former governors and other ex-public officials.