The Abia State House of Assembly has unanimously passed a law to abolish the Abia State Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Pensions Law number 4 of 2021. The bill, officially known as ‘H.A.B 11: The Abia State Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s Pensions Law Repeal Bill 2024,’ was introduced by Mr Okoro Uchenna Kalu, the Majority Leader and representative of Arochukwu constituency in the House.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, announced the successful passage of the bill and commended his colleagues for their understanding and cooperation in repealing the law. He stated that the lawmakers’ actions were in response to the desires of the majority.

Mr Uchenna Okoro Kalu, the sponsor of the bill, emphasized its timeliness and potential to reduce the cost of governance in the state. He highlighted that the funds previously allocated to pensions can now be redirected towards the development of the state for the benefit of the greater majority of Abia people. However, the specific financial details regarding the repealed pension laws were not disclosed during the House proceedings.

In addition to the pension law repeal, the Abia State House of Assembly also passed the ‘H.A.B 9: The Faith Based and Private Colleges of Nursing Sciences Establishment Bill 2024’ for a second reading. The bill, sponsored by Mr Emeka Obioma, the representative of Umuahia South constituency, was referred to the House Committee on Health for a public hearing and subsequent reporting back to the House.

Furthermore, the State House of Assembly introduced the ‘H.A.B 10: Abia State Cocoa Development and Marketing Board Bill, 2024’ for its first reading. This bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Austin Meregini, aims to establish the Abia State Cocoa Development and Marketing Board and will undergo further legislative processes.