In Nigeria, ex-governor Ortom announces court ruling on 23 cars
In Nigeria, former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom said that a court had ordered the return to him of 23 cars seized after the end of his term. According to the politician, the court also awarded him 5 million naira in compensation.
As Premium Times Nigeria writes, Ortom claims that the vehicles were legally transferred to him by the state government and that their seizure by the administration of incumbent Governor Alia was improper. According to him, the authorities did not appeal the court ruling but have still not returned the cars.
Transfer of official vehicles
Ortom said that the practice of transferring official vehicles after the end of service also extended to other officials in his administration: the deputy governor, commissioners, advisers, and aides. He also said that under government rules, vehicles used for four years may be transferred to officials.
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The column notes that the former governor's public statements sparked criticism on social media. Author Wole Olaoye linked the discussion to the broader issue of benefits for former state leaders amid delays in pension and severance payments to civil servants.
Benefits for former officials
According to the publication, more than 20 state legislatures have passed local laws providing lifetime payments and other benefits for former heads of the executive branch. In some states, such packages included annual payments, housing, medical care, staff, and security.
In particular, the original version of Lagos State's 2007 law on pensions for former governors and deputy governors provided for two residential houses, six new vehicles replaced every three years, payment equal to 100% of the basic annual salary, medical care, and staff. The publication notes that such provisions were later repealed or significantly restricted in several states.
