In a landmark move aimed at enhancing good governance and stewardship in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has officially signed the Abia State of Nigeria Governors and Deputy Governors Pension Repeal Bill of 2024 into law. The signing ceremony, which took place in Nvosi, marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to governance and public service compensation.
Governor Otti, in his speech, emphasized that the new law is a testament to his administration’s commitment to prioritizing public welfare over personal gains. He hailed the measure as a crucial step towards promoting a culture of service and accountability among the state’s leadership.
The Governor extended his gratitude to the Abia House of Assembly for their swift action on the bill, highlighting the exemplary relationship between the legislative and executive branches of the state government. This cordial relationship is built on trust and understanding that we are working together for the people,” Otti remarked, promising continued support to the legislature.
By revoking pension payments to former governors and deputies, Governor Otti pointed out the importance of redirecting state funds towards more pressing public needs, especially benefiting the pensioners who need these resources the most. Government is not about self-interest; it is actually self-interest that destroys government,” Otti stated, reflecting on the law’s significance even to his own future as a former officeholder.
The Governor also criticized the disproportionate allocation of the state’s budget by past administrations, which favored recurrent expenditure over capital projects. The new policy aims to rebalance this distribution, ensuring a more sustainable approach to state finances.
The Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emereuwa, through his deputy, Austin Meregini, mentioned that the repeal would nullify the Abia State Governors’ and Deputy Governors’ Law no 4 of 2001. This action was commended by the state’s Attorney General, Ikechukwu Uwanna, who described the Governor’s decision as “bold and audacious,” perfectly aligning with the will of the people.
This legislative change is part of Governor Otti’s broader agenda to transform governance in Abia State, setting a precedent for other states in Nigeria to follow. By putting the interests of the public first, the Otti administration aims to foster a more equitable and transparent governance model.
