Ogun PDP Demands Legislative Probe Into Alleged ₦82b Pension Deductions
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the State House of Assembly to investigate the alleged non-remittance of N82 billion in workers’ pension deductions under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) by the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Arc. Kayode Adebayo, the PDP urged the Daisi Elemide-led Assembly to compel the governor to provide a detailed account of the funds reportedly deducted but not remitted over the last six years.
The demand follows claims by organised labour that the state government has failed to remit any contributions to the CPS since Abiodun assumed office. Labour unions had earlier issued a 72-hour ultimatum for the government to suspend the planned implementation of the CPS, citing unresolved concerns.
“The Ogun State Government’s deafening silence is not only cowardly but also amounts to criminal negligence,” the PDP said. “This is a clear case of systemic erosion of the social contract, where workers sacrifice their youth for the state and are rewarded with abject misery in retirement.”
The CPS, introduced by former Governor Gbenga Daniel in 2008, has faced long-standing implementation challenges. The unions allege that Daniel left office in 2011 without remitting 25 months of pension deductions. His successor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, reportedly remitted nine months’ worth during his tenure, despite amending the CPS law in 2013.
The PDP accused the Abiodun administration of ignoring multiple appeals and letters from labour organisations seeking compliance with the scheme.
“Why is Governor Abiodun rolling out a new phase of the CPS when the foundational structures, legal frameworks, remittance culture, pension board, and workers’ trust are conspicuously non-existent?” the party queried.
The PDP further alleged that the administration has failed to establish a pension board or develop a pension database necessary for effective scheme administration.
“We demand that Governor Abiodun provide a comprehensive explanation for the whereabouts of the missing ₦82 billion,” the statement said. “A decent, transparent, and accountable government should prioritise this before setting up pension institutions to win back the trust of Ogun’s workers.”
The party called on lawmakers to act swiftly.
“The Ogun State PDP calls upon the leadership and honourable members of the Ogun State House of Assembly to join forces with stakeholders and liberate the people’s pension from Governor Abiodun’s grasp. The sweat and sacrifices of Ogun State workers must be protected and valued,” it said.
As of the time of reporting, the state government has not responded to the PDP’s allegations.
