Lead Citizen reporter- D.M Long’gul , JOS, NIGERIA —
A political storm is brewing in the Plateau State House of Assembly following a sharp exchange between the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Dewan K. Gabriel, and the House Committee on Information over a controversial lifetime pension and welfare bill for former lawmakers.
The controversy erupted after Rt. Hon. Dewan took to social media to issue a scathing “Public Disclaimer,” vehemently denying any involvement with the proposed legislation. Dewan claimed his name was listed as a co-sponsor “without my knowledge, consent, or authorization” and asserted that he has never initiated or endorsed any lifetime pension schemes for former principal officers.
However, a formal rejoinder signed by Hon. Dr. Kwarpo Mathew Sylvanus, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, has effectively exposed the former Speaker, pointing to receipts that suggest he is merely playing to the gallery to save face in the court of public opinion
According to the House Committee, Dewan’s public denunciation is highly inconsistent with his past administrative actions and private acknowledgments.
The Assembly revealed that the underlying initiative to provide structured support to former lawmakers actually originated under Dewan’s own tenure as Speaker, during which he introduced and implemented an administrative welfare package specifically for former Speakers outside a formal legislative framework.
Furthermore, the Committee blasted Dewan’s claims of being blindsided, revealing explicit details of prior notification:
The Committee stated that a soft copy of the bill was delivered to Rt. Hon. Dewan via WhatsApp on February 4, 2025. The “Good” Verdict: Upon receiving the document, Dewan allegedly acknowledged receipt and explicitly described the proposed bill as “good.”
The House noted that its rules do not require secondary consent once initial approval and sponsorship intent have been established, making his sudden public U-turn look like a calculated political maneuver.
The House explained that after Dewan’s tenure, lawmakers sought to transition his informal executive package into a transparent, lawful, and sustainable framework.( Note, details of the informal package is not revealed)
In the interest of institutional equity, the Assembly decided to expand the policy beyond just former Speakers to include Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers, and Honourable Members, adding medical support provisions to guarantee dignity in retirement.
The draft document of the “Plateau State Legislative Pension Law” shows the proposed allowance breakdown relative to the sitting Speaker’s monthly salary:
- Former Speakers: 60%
- Former Deputy Speakers: 50%
- Former Principal Officers: 45%
- Former Members: 40%
- The official bill document explicitly lists Rt. Hon. Gabriel K. Dewan as the second sponsor, alongside Hon. Na’anlong Gapyil Daniel, Hon. Madaki Isa Ajiji, Hon. Joseph G. Gokum, and Hon. Eli Bako Ankala.
The Committee on Information expressed disappointment that Rt. Hon. Dewan bypassed internal parliamentary mechanisms to clear any grievances, choosing instead to stage a public outcry on social media.
“If any member believes their name was included in error, the proper channel is to seek clarification internally,” the statement read, emphasizing that the Assembly remains open to meeting with Dewan to clarify the legislative steps.
The Assembly reassured citizens that the bill is still in its infancy, has appropriated no public funds, and will be subjected to rigorous public hearings where inputs from the public will actively shape its final outcome.
Appendix attached to the news
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