Abia State Assembly Passes Bill to End Pension for Former Governors Including Ikpeazu, Orji Kalu

From Our Correspondent

In a bid to reduce the cost of governance in Abia State, the State House of Assembly has approved a bill to abolish the payment of pension to former governors and their deputies.

The bill, which passed through first, second, and third readings when passed will impact former governors such as Okezie Ikpeazu, T.A. Orji, and Orji Uzor Kalu.

Titled “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,” the legislation was sponsored by Mr. Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and representative of Arochukwu State Constituency.

Announcing the passage of the bill, the Speaker, Mr.

Emmanuel Emeruwa stated that it would immediately take effect as of Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

He emphasized that this move would curtail excessive spending on retired governors and redirect resources towards development initiatives in the state.

The decision received applause from members of the assembly, who viewed it as a significant step towards optimizing governance expenses and prioritizing developmental projects.

If signed into law by Governor Alex Otti, the bill will mark a departure from the tradition of providing pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies in Abia State.