The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio has responded to criticisms against the new pension law which will allow him pocket over N200 million annually as retirement perks, describing it as laughable.
Speaking on a morning show on Channels Television Friday, Mr. Akpabio said the law was meant to check excesses in the implementation of the old pension law.
“It’s a laughable situation that people generate controversy over the pension law. The law has been in existence in Akwa Ibom State. I am the one implementing it.
“I know what I am talking about and because I wear the shoe, I know where it pinches. All the former elected governors and their deputies have been enjoying the pension. The pension was first established in 2000 and was further amended with certain provisions added in 2006.”
While explaining the general principles of the new law, he said, “It’s really not a retroactive law, neither is it a new law. It is an existing law that went through amendment.
“In legislative drafting, one can put a provision there, where substantial amendment has been made, to repeal the former law for the current one to take effect.
“My tenure is not ending 2014. So the law is not meant for Godswill Akpabio. It is meant to check the excesses in the system.
“I swore to an oath to ensure that everything I can do positively to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people and I should do so. And when I saw a lacuna in the law, I had to take up the issues with the leadership of the State House of Assembly and they went to work,” he said.
