The Abia House of Assembly has taken a significant step by passing a bill to halt 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 Revoke The Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law No 4 of 2001 and for other Connected Matters,” was sponsored by Mr. Uchanna Okoro, the Majority Leader and member representing Arochukwu State Constituency.

Speaker Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa announced the bill’s passage following its first and second readings, consideration at the committee of the whole, and its third reading during the day’s plenary session.

Emeruwa, in congratulating members, emphasized that the bill would curtail the state’s governance expenses and reallocate resources toward development initiatives.

Upon the governor’s assent, the bill will be referred to as the “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governor’s (Repeal) Law 2024,” and it will take effect immediately, as of Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

With the passage of this bill, former governors and their deputies will no longer receive pension benefits after their tenures expire.

The decision comes amid longstanding controversies over the lavish post-office perks, sparking debates across the state. While some states have taken steps to repeal similar laws, others have been less proactive in addressing the issue.