ETHOVAN Condemns Ex-Governor’s Retirement Plan To Senate

 An advocacy group, Ethos of Omoluabi Vanguard, ETHO­VAN, have condemned the deci­sion of ex-governors in Nigeria to resort to the Senate as a retire­ment plan.

In a recent press briefing, the president of the ETHOVAN, Bashorun Adekunle Adeshokan explained that the trend has seemingly become a norm after over 22 years.

In the words of Adeshokan on February 18, 2025 at Excellence Hotel in Ogba, the decision to wade into the conversation is as a result of the need for account­ability and genuine represen­tation rather than having the Senate as a retirement home for ex-governors in Nigeria.

“Our observations presently focuses on an unholy political arrangement that is presently turning into norms. If we are not careful and collectively nip it in the bud as a nation and its people, it may become an albatross in the future by covering systemic cor­ruption and unaccountability practices.

“Thus, we strongly condemn the growing trend of Nigeria state governors securing auto­matic tickets to the Senate imme­diately after their tenure in office.

“We are calling on all politi­cal parties to end this immoral practice, which is described as a major setback to democratic accountability and good gover­nance.

“As we all know, many outgo­ing governors seek Senate seats not as a means of contributing to legislative development but rath­er as a way to evade scrutiny and accountability for their actions while in office. This has led to a situation where the Senate, a cru­cial institution for national poli­cymaking, is increasingly seen as a ‘retirement home’ for former governors, many of whom have left behind legacies of corrup­tion, mismanagement, and poor governance in their states.

“The automatic ticketing system serves as a loophole for governors who may have been involved in corruption, mis­management of funds, or other malfeasances during their ad­ministration. By bypassing the necessary scrutiny and public engagement that a Senate candi­dacy should entail, these individ­uals can sidestep responsibility for their actions,” Adeshokan stressed.

In furtherance, Adeshokan noted that ex-governors should not be granted automatic tickets after the end of their terms rath­er be urged to reintegrate and bond with residents of the states for reassessment and more.