The Abia State House of Assembly took a significant step on Tuesday by passing a bill to discontinue the payment of pensions to former governors and deputy governors in the state.
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 Mr. Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency.
Following its first and second reading, consideration at the committee of the whole, and its third reading during the day’s plenary, the Speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the passage of the bill.
Emeruwa, while congratulating members, highlighted that the bill aimed to trim the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources towards development initiatives.
Upon assent by the governor, the bill will be referred to as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024,” and it will take effect immediately, starting from Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
The bill effectively puts an end to pension benefits for former governors and their deputies after their tenures expire, addressing years of controversy surrounding the extravagant benefits and perks provided to former governors and deputies.
While a few states have taken steps to repeal similar laws, many others have shown reluctance to do so. The move by the Abia State House of Assembly signals a significant shift towards rationalizing governance costs and ensuring fiscal responsibility.
