Why we repealed law on ex-govs pensions act, by Imo Assembly

The 27-member Imo State House of Assembly has explained that the law on the 2007 pensions Act for former governors, their deputies and speakers was repealed in order to save resources that ought to be utilised on meaningful ventures.

The lawmakers, in the plenary presided over by the speaker, Dr. Chiji Collins, had on Thursday repealed the law, resolving to forward a clean copy to Governor Hope Uzodimma, for his assent.

The sponsor of the “bill for a law to repeal the Imo State governors and speakers pension and privileges law No 5 of 2007 (as amended),” Uche Oghuagu, who is also the Majority Leader, said they took the decision to save the state from spending unnecessarily on the past leaders who also enjoyed financially while in office.

Ogbuagu, an All Progressives Congress (APC) member representing Ikeduru Constituency, said the repeal stripped the affected persons of such entitlements and rights in order to channel the resources to useful developmental ventures begging for attention.

They also noted that though the bill had made them the first set of victims, it was necessary to address the problems of the state at a period the nation was witnessing pandemic-induced economic problems.

Those who are to be affected by the action include former governors – Chiefs Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Rochas Okorocha and their deputies Ebere Udeagu, Ada Okwuonu, Eze Madumere, among others.