Abia Assembly votes to end pension payments for former governors, deputies

The Abia House of Assembly passed a bill on Tuesday to suspend pension payments to previous governors and deputies in the state.

It has the following name: “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 Arochukwu State Constituency Representative.

The Speaker, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, proclaimed the bill’s passage following its first, second, and third readings in plenary.

Emeruwa congratulated members and stated that the law would cut the state’s governance costs and redirect resources towards development.

He stated that once signed by the governor, the bill would be known as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024.”

The Speaker stated that the measure would take effect immediately on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

With the bill, past governors and their deputies will no longer be eligible for pension benefits when their terms expire.

There have been numerous disputes throughout the years over the excessive life insurance and other enviable benefits granted to governors and their deputies.

While few states have taken steps to repeal the statute, many indicated a casual attitude towards doing so.