By Milcah Tanimu

In a significant move aimed at reducing governance expenses and reallocating resources towards development, the Abia State House of Assembly has passed a bill to discontinue the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state.

The bill, titled “A Bill 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 Mr. Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency.

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

Effective immediately from March 19, 2024, the bill will cease pension benefits for former governors and their deputies after their tenures expire. This decision comes amid controversies surrounding the lavish benefits previously enjoyed by former officeholders, sparking discussions on the need for reform across various states. While some states have initiated similar reforms, others have been slow to act on the matter.