The Nsukka Journalists Foundation (NJF) has called on the Enugu State House of Assembly to repeal the 2017 Gubernatorial Pension Law in the state or face court action.
The group in a communique issued at the end of its meeting condemned the recent attempt by the legislators to increase the benefits payable to the former governors and their deputies.
The communique was signed by the chairman of the group, Mr Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, the Secretary, Brendan Eze and others.
According to the communique, the legislators have a 90-day ultimatum to either repeal the law or face court action.
Recall that the state legislators were recently presented with a Bill for the amendment of the Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions and Gratuities Law 2007.
Part of the provisions in the proposed amendment is a 900 per cent increase in the allowances of the former governors and their deputies, gifts of three exotic cars every four years, free medicare and a N12 million annual health allowance, among others.
The communique, meanwhile, described the move as the highest level of insensitivity as such would impose greater financial burden on the state..
It wondered why a government that had not met its financial obligations to civil servants and pensioners would contemplate such escapade.
It said that members of the foundation had expected the legislators to repeal the law in order to free up money for government.
“We wish to, therefore, urge the State Assembly to quickly repeal this obnoxious Enugu State Gubernatorial Pensions Law 2007, as amended in 2017.
“If this is not done within the next 90 days, this group shall approach the law court, as well as the court of moral conscience and public opinion to decide on the matter,” it said.
It urged Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to be mindful of the financial status of the state government with a view to making informed decisions.
It appealed to the governor to rise to the challenge of addressing the infrastructure deficits in the state, especially, water, electricity and affordable health.
“We are aware of the need to provide water, medicare, quality education and job opportunities for our teeming youths,” it said.
