Abia Assembly Takes Action To Reduce State Expenses By Ending Ex-Governors’ And Deputies’ Pensions

Abia Assembly Takes Action To Reduce State Expenses By Ending Ex-Governors’ And Deputies’ Pensions

The bill 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.

It was introduced by Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency. Speaker Emmanuel Emeruwa announced the bill’s passage after undergoing first and second readings, consideration at the committee of the whole, and its third reading during the day’s plenary.

Emeruwa, while congratulating members, highlighted that the bill would curtail the state’s administrative expenses and channel resources toward development initiatives. He indicated that once assented to by the governor, the bill would be known as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024.”

The Speaker noted that the bill would become effective immediately, starting from Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bill stipulates that former governors and their deputies will no longer receive pension benefits after their tenures expire.

NAN further reports that there have been controversies over the years regarding the substantial lifetime benefits being paid to former governors and their deputies. While some states have taken steps to repeal such laws, many have shown reluctance to do so.