The Abia House of Assembly has passed a bill to end the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state.
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The bill, sponsored by Mr Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member Representing Arochukwu State Constituency, is 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 Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the successful passage of the bill after it went through first and second readings, consideration at the committee of the whole, and its third reading during the day’s plenary session.
Mr Emeruwa congratulated the members and highlighted that the bill would help reduce the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources towards development.
Once assented to by the governor, the bill will be known as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024.”
The bill will take effect immediately on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. This means that former governors and their deputies will no longer receive pension benefits after their tenures expire.
The passage of this bill comes after years of controversies surrounding the extravagant benefits and life pensions given to governors and their deputies.
While some states have taken steps to repeal such laws, many others have shown a lack of interest in doing so.
