Governor Alex Otti of Abia has enacted the Abia State of Nigeria Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Repeal Bill of 2024.
The bill was signed into law on Thursday, March 21, 2023, following its passage by the state House of Assembly on Tuesday.
Since its establishment in 1991, Abia state has been governed by nine individuals: Frank Ajobena, Ogbonnaya Onu, Chinyere Ike Nwosu, Temi Ejoor, Moses Fasanya, Anthony Obi, Orji Uzor Kalu, Theodore A. Orji, and Okezie Ikpeazu.
After signing the bill, Otti expressed gratitude to the state House of Assembly for swiftly passing the bill and assured them of his administration’s full support.
Otti reiterated his long-held stance that his administration would discontinue the practice of disbursing pensions to former governors and deputy governors, believing the funds could be better allocated to clear the backlog of pensions owed to Abia’s retired workers since 2014.
He clarified, “Even before we assumed office, many who shared our views knew that we would not continue the practice of paying pensions and allowances to former government officials. Many have reminded me that I will soon be a former governor myself, and I fully acknowledge this.”
He emphasized that governance should not be self-serving and maintained that halting pensions for governors and deputy governors was a move towards good governance and responsible stewardship.
Otti added, “Good governance is about serving our people well, and I firmly believe that any leader who treats leadership as a business is misguided. Leadership is about stewardship, and appropriating the resources meant for those you lead is not morally justifiable.
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“Government should not operate on self-interest, as it is self-interest that undermines governance. If I am accused of being part of a class, I acknowledge it, but I must state that I have willingly forsaken class privileges because the continuation of this law would have been to my benefit.
However, we are all aware that it is not in the best interest of the country, this state, the workers who have been unpaid for months, and the pensioners for whom we are still trying to settle arrears dating back to 2014.
It is more judicious to allocate the funds previously intended for the pensions of former elected officials to the payment of our workers.”
Otti expressed gratitude towards the House of Assembly for the harmonious relationship with the executive branch, which he believes is founded on mutual trust, respect, and the shared goal of serving the people’s interests.
Earlier, while presenting the bill for his signature, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emereuwa, represented by Deputy Speaker Austin Meregini, mentioned that the Bill annuls Law No 4 of 2001, which allowed for the payment of pensions to former governors and deputy governors, and he commended the governor for his cooperative relationship with the legislative body.
