Former Abia state governors like Okezie Ikpeazu, Theodore Orji and Orji Uzor Kalu and their deputies will no longer be entitled to earn their pensions and other entitlements from the State.
The Abia State House of Assembly has passed a bill to stop the 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 repeal the Abia state governors and deputy governors pensions law No 4 of 2001 and for other matters connected therewith,” is sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Okoro Uchenna Kalu.
During Tuesday’s plenary, the Speaker, Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the passage of the bill after its first, and second reading, the consideration at the committee of the whole and its third reading adding that the bill would take effect immediately.
Emeruwa, while congratulating members, said the bill, when assented to by the governor, would be referred to as “Abia state governors and deputy governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024” and would reduce the state’s governance expenses and redirect resources toward development.
This bill’s implications mean all former governors and their deputies will no longer enjoy pension benefits after their tenures have expired.
OrderPaper notes that about 10 ex-governors were elected into the 10th Senate including Godswill Akpabio, Abdulaziz Yari, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Adamu Aliero, Adams Oshiomole, Ibrahim Geidam, Seriake Dickson, Ibrahim Dankwambo, Aliyu Wammako, Gbenga Daniels and Dave Umahi.
However, Senators Gbenga Daniel (APC, Ogun East) and Ibrahim Dankwambo directed the governments of Ogun and Gombe to stop paying them the pension.
