The Abia State House of Assembly has approved a legislative measure to cease pension payments to the state’s former governors and their deputies.
The bill, known as “H.A.B 11: A Law to Revoke The Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001,” was introduced by Mr. Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader representing Arochukwu State Constituency.
The Speaker of the House, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, declared the bill’s enactment following its progression through the initial readings, committee review, and final reading at the plenary session.
Emeruwa expressed that the legislation aims to curtail governmental spending and allocate funds more effectively towards developmental projects.
He noted that upon the governor’s endorsement, the bill will be recognized as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024,” coming into force on March 19, 2024.
This move will terminate the pension privileges previously granted to former state executives and has been a subject of debate due to the perceived excessive benefits.
The decision by Abia’s legislature contrasts with the indifferent stance observed in several other states regarding similar pension laws.
