THE Abia House of Assembly, on Tuesday, March 19, passed a Bill to stop payment of pension to former governors of the state and their deputies.
Titled, ‘A Bill (H.A.B 11:) for a Law to Revoke The Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Matters connected therewith,’ the Bill was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Uchanna Okoro.
The Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the passage of the Bill after its First, Second Reading, consideration at the Committee of the Whole and its 3rd Reading during the day’s plenary.
Emeruwa, while congratulating members, said that the Bill would reduce the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources towards development, adding that once assented to by the governor, it would be referred to as ‘Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024.’
He stated that Bill would take effect immediately, once accented to by Governor Alex Otti.
With the Bill, former governors and their deputies would no longer enjoy pension benefits after their tenures have expired.
There have been controversies over the outrageous life person and other enviable benefits being paid the former governors and their deputies.
While a few states have made moves to repeal the law, many are reluctant to do so.
