Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
As part of measures to reduce cost of governance and conserve funds for developmental purposes, the Abia State House of Assembly, Tuesday, repealed the Abia State Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Pensions Law number 4 of 2021.
The controversial law which approved fat pension for former Governors and their Deputies, was passed during the administration of ex-Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu.
The Bill seeking to repeal the law, entitled: “H.A.B 11: The Abia State Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Pensions Law Repeal Bill 2024,” was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
In his lead debate on the floor of the House in favour of the Bill, the sponsor argued that passing it into law would be for the advantage of the vast majority of the people.
He said that sustaining the old law was no longer fashionable as the State needed to find ways to reduce the cost of governance in order to remain afloat.
According to him, the outrageous funds deployed in servicing the former Governors and their Deputies, could be redeployed into more beneficial areas for the masses.
The Labour Party lawmaker, who strongly argued in favour of the bill, solicited the support of other lawmakers to give the Bill accelerated hearing, and to support its passage into law.
Speaking after its passage, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, commended his colleagues for their understanding and frankness in supporting the bill.
He said that its passage was timely and in line with the wishes of Ndi Abia who should not be denied of their common patrimony for the comfort of a few.
