Abia Assembly passes bill to stop pension for ex-governors, deputies

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

The bill 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,” was sponsored by Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency.

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

Announcing the passage of the bill, Emeruwa applauded his colleagues for their understanding and cooperation in repealing the Law.

He said that the bill would reduce the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources towards development.

Adding that 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 after it is signed into law by the governor.

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