A federal high court, Lagos has ordered former state governors who later served as ministers or members of the National Assembly to refund pensions and allowances they are collecting after leaving office as governors.
Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo issues the directive while ruling on an application filed by socio economic rights and accountability project (SERAP).
SERAP sues the federal government in 2017 for failing to stop former governors in federal cabinet or in national assembly from continuing collecting pensions and allowances from their former state governments.
Justice Oguntoyinbo directs the attorney general of the federation to initiate a legal action to challenge the laws passed by the various state houses of assembly to legalize the payment of pensions and other allowances to former governors holding federal appointments.
She disagreed with the Attorney General who argued that the Presidency could not challenge the legality of such double payment as it was backed by laws enacted by the state houses of assembly.
The judge adjourns till February 3, 2020, when she expects a report of compliance with her judgement.
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