BREAKING: Abia State Assembly Votes To Abolish Life Pension For Former Governors, Deputy Governors
In a groundbreaking move aimed at curbing the burgeoning costs of governance in Abia State, the State Assembly has passed a bill to repeal pensions and other entitlements for former governors and deputy governors.
This landmark decision means that former governors such as Okezie Ikpeazu, T.A. Orji, and Orji Uzor Kalu will no longer receive pensions and associated benefits.
The bill, titled ‘H.A.B 11: a Bill for a Law to Repeal the Abia State Governors & Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Matters,’ was championed by the House Member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Uchenna Okoro.
Uchenna Okoro, speaking after the plenary on Tuesday, disclosed that the bill had successfully passed through all stages of readings. It is now awaiting approval from the State Governor, Alex Otti, to become law.
The legislation, sponsored by the member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, aims to eliminate what was described as ‘excessive’ spending on retired governors and their deputies.
In an interview, the bill’s sponsor emphasized the need to prioritize the welfare of retired civil servants over the generous pensions received by former governors and deputies.
“We did not amend the bill, we scrapped it completely. The bill is about past governors who are not in active service receiving pensions and other entitlements after serving for four years,” the sponsor stated.
He further elaborated, “They are paid by the state every month, so we had to repeal it. So, it no longer stands. When you are done with your tenure, just go home because nobody is paying you anything.”
This move comes amidst concerns raised by Governor Otti regarding the backlog of pensions and salaries owed to retired and active civil servants in the state.
In addition to the pension reform bill, the State Assembly also considered other legislative proposals aimed at promoting development and accountability. These include the establishment of the Abia State Cocoa Development and Marketing Board and the creation of Colleges of Nursing Sciences owned by faith-based and private establishments in Abia State.
With these legislative actions, the Abia State Assembly demonstrates its commitment to fiscal responsibility and prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.
