Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, the governor of Abia State, signed a bill into law ending the contentious practice of providing pensions to previous governors and their deputies, marking a significant step towards modernizing the state’s government. After the Executive Bill was signed into law, the former PDP administration’s “Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions (Repeal) Law, 2024” officially came to an end.
Governor Otti underlined the idea that the wellbeing of the people as a whole should come before individual interests during a ceremony on Thursday. He thanked the State House of Assembly for passing the bill so quickly and gave them the assurance that his government will always be behind them.
Governor Otti had insisted on ending the practice of giving retired government employees pensions and allowances from the beginning of his administration. He contended that a more appropriate use of these monies would be to settle the long-standing problem of pension arrears owing to retired employees going back to 2014.
Governor Otti explained his position by saying, “Let me be clear about a few things. One, that many who had followed our opinions in the national conversation understood even before this new administration took office that we would not be carrying on with the practice of providing pensions and allowances to this group of former public servants.”Though he accepted that several had brought up his future standing as a former governor, he remained steadfast in his choice.
Governor Otti stated, “Government is not about self-interest, and it’s actually self-interest that destroys government,” highlighting the significance of sound governance and stewardship. He acknowledged that the old law was not optimal for the state or its people, even though it may have benefitted him personally.
The governor emphasized how important it is to put retired employees’ and pensioners’ wellbeing first because they have dedicatedly served the state for many years. He reasoned that it was a more ethically good approach to government to send pension money to people who truly needed them.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the State House of Assembly for working together and emphasized the significance of their joint dedication to advancing the public interest. He emphasized the mutual respect, trust, and understanding that underpinned their working relationship and their shared commitment to the welfare of the populace.
The bill was previously brought to the governor for approval by Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emereuwa, Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly. He noted that the purpose of the Bill was to overturn Law No. 4 of 2001, which had previously permitted the payment of pensions to governors and deputy governors upon their departure from office. He was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Austin Meregini.
Important individuals saw the signing event, including Hon. Uchenna Okoro, the Leader of the Assembly, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, the Clerk of the Assembly, and numerous top aides to the Governor.
Abia State began a new era of government with the repeal of the pensions legislation, one that is based on the values of openness, accountability, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of its people. With his audacious move, Governor Otti broke with long-standing self-interested customs and opened the door for a more accountable and fair government.