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Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has described former lawmakers as reservoir of insights who wealth of experience are valuable to the task of nation building.
He said that the collective wisdom of the former lawmakers can be harnessed for Nigeria's progress.
Kalu spoke on Saturday at the maiden gathering of the Nigerian Former Legislators Forum (NFLF), an association he convened in Enugu State.
The event attracted many high profile former lawmakers from the National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly and Local Government Legislative Assemblies across the federation amongst whom were former Senate Presidents Ken Nnamani and Anyim Pius Anyim, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, former Deputy of the House, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, former governor of Imo State, Senator Rochas Okorocha, former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah amongst others.
He said: "Here in Nigeria, our NFLF must rise to meet four imperatives. First, pension security. Unlike the U.S. or South Africa, we lack a unified framework. Let us adopt a hybrid model: contributory schemes for sustainability, paired with non-contributory safeguards for indigent retirees. Mirroring the U.S., we could allow partial pension computation for an immediate needs lifeline for those transitioning to private life.
"Beyond pension, the Forum must champion the holistic welfare of
its members, supporting one another politically, socially, and economically. We must form a strong policy-pressure group and legislative-lobbying arm to advocate for our collective interests within the corridors of power. In doing so, we recognise that the nation has invested vast resources in training each legislator present here; allowing that investment to go to waste upon leaving office should be discouraged at all costs. This platform will reduce the pressures on those who lose elections by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and pathways into new careers and public service roles.
"Third, institutionalizing expertise. Former legislators are reservoirs of insight, not relics. The NFLF must establish a Knowledge Bureau to document legislative best practices and
launch Congressional Study Groups on critical issues like the economy, security, foreign policy, and trade. Let us partner with universities, as the U.S. does, deploying former members as ambassadors for civic literacy on campuses and in communities.
"Fourth, privileges and facilities. Inspired by the U.S., we should grant lifetime ID cards for National Assembly access, certain privileges for post-tenure transitions like healthcare insurance, and parking in legislative complexes. These courtesies, overseen by bipartisan committees, honour service while preventing abuse.
"The NFLF’s institutional framework must mirror global rigour. An Executive Committee with staggered terms will ensure continuity, while an Advisory Board of corporate and policy experts will guide strategic partnerships. Funding will rely on endowment funds, membership dues, corporate donations, and a grants self-sustaining model similar to the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress (FMC)".
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