Orji Kalu, Ikpeazu, Abaribe, And More: Abia Assembly Votes To Scrap Lifelong Pensions

Orji Kalu, Ikpeazu, Abaribe, And More: Abia Assembly Votes To Scrap Lifelong Pensions....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Abia State House of Assembly passed a bill on Tuesday aimed at halting the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies in the state.

The bill, titled “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,” was sponsored by the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency, Okoro Uchenna Kalu.

The passage of the bill occurred after it underwent first and second readings, followed by consideration by the committee of the whole before its third reading during Tuesday’s plenary at the hallowed chamber.

Announcing the passage of the bill, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa stated that once accented by Governor Alex Otti, it would take effect immediately on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The bill will be cited as “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024.”

Speaker Emeruwa emphasized that the bill, among its merits, aims to reduce the excessive cost of governance, thereby directing Abia State’s resources towards development.

With this development, former governors such as Okezie Ikpeazu, Theodore Orji, Orji Uzor Kalu, and their deputies will no longer receive pensions and other entitlements.

Commenting on the bill’s passage, Kalu noted that it aligns with the agenda of the Governor Otti-led government to curb the cost of governance in the state. He clarified, “We did not amend the bill; we scrapped it completely. The bill concerns past governors who are not in active service receiving pensions and other entitlements after serving for four years. They are paid by the state every month, so we had to repeal it. So, it no longer stands. When you are done with your tenure, just go home because nobody is paying you anything.

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