Cost of governance: Abia assembly stops pension for ex-govs, deputies

Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill to stop the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state.

It is entitled, “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 sponsored by Mr Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member Representing Arochukwu State Constituency.

The Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the passage of the bill after its first, second reading, consideration at the committee of the whole and its third reading during the day’s plenary.

Emeruwa, while congratulating members, said the bill would reduce the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources toward development.

He said the bill once assented to by the governor, would be referred to as “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024.”

The speaker said that the bill would take effect immediately, Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that with the bill, former governors and their deputies will no longer enjoy pension benefits after their tenures have expired.

NAN further reports that there had been a lot of controversies over the years concerning the outrageous life person and other enviable benefits being paid to the governors and their deputies.

While few states had made moves to repeal the law, many states showed a nonchalant attitude toward doing so.