Trouble for Ortom’s Pension Bill as Benue Assembly suspends plenary over unpaid salaries

Benue State House of Assembly members have suspended their plenary over non-payment of their six months’ salary arrears and allowances.

This, however, means trouble for the controversial Executive Pension Bill sent to the house by Governor Samuel Ortom for approval as it is now on hold.

Governor-elect Hyacinth Alia had flayed the bill which,   among other things,  provides for permanent accommodation and four new cars every four years for every former governor of the state.

It also proposes hiring six personal staff for ex-governors and three for their deputies.

The bill, which has passed its first reading, provides free medical treatment for the governor’s family, including four of their children under 18.

A member of the  House. Bem Mngutyo, was quoted by The Nation to have said that they had  “resolved not to sit   until  our  emoluments and salaries  are paid.”

Mngutyo said the outgoing governor met with the Peoples Democratic Party caucus of the House last weekend over the issue.

Ortom, according to him,  promised to pay the arrears of allowances and salary with the state’s  May federal allocation before he exits office in 18 day time.

Hon. Bem Mngutyo, a member of the House, on Thursday disclosed that the House “resolved not to sit until our emoluments and salaries are paid”, The Nation reported.

Mngutyo further hinted that Governor Ortom met with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, members of the House last weekend over the issue and promised to pay the arrears of allowances and salary with the state’s May federal allocation before he exits office in the next 18 days.