Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, Thursday night, assented to a bill stopping former Governors of the state and their Deputies from receiving pension.
The bill known as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions (Repeal) Law, 2024,” was passed into law by the State House of Assembly on Tuesday.
It was sponsored by the Leader of the House, and member representing Arochukwu state constituency, Hon. Uchenna Kalu.
In his remark assenting to the bill, Otti said Government should not be about self-interest but the people’s interest and wellbeing.
The Governor lauded the House of Assembly for its speedy consideration of the bill.
He said the bill was a demonstration of the new Abia mantra being promoted by his administration.
The Governor said he came to do the right things that would improve on the wellbeing of the masses.
“Even before this new law came into place, a lot of people who have followed our views in the national discourse understand that we were not going to continue the practice of paying pensions and allowances to this set of former government officials,” Governor Otti said.
Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Nmeregi; Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna; and Clerk of the House, John-Pedro Irokansi, were present at the signing ceremony.
The passage of the bill by the House of Assembly, has been greeted by statewide commendation.
