It is great to hear that the Abia State House of Assembly has passed a bill to stop the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies.

Development Diaries reports that the state assembly’s revoking of the Abia State Governors and Deputy Governors Pensions Law of 2001 is a victory for campaigners against high cost of governance and proponents of pro-development policies.

Stopping the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies is a necessary and urgent reform that all state assemblies in Nigeria should prioritise.

In light of the economic hardship the country is facing and also the fact that many states are struggling to generate their revenue outside of allocations from the federal government, this move is a crucial step towards cutting down on the cost of governance.

It is also a vital step towards restoring public trust in government institutions and getting citizens to actively participate in governance.

Already, the payment of pensions to former governors and their deputies is a significant financial burden on state finances and is unsustainable, especially considering Nigeria’s economic realities.

These resources could be better utilised for critical sectors such as health care, education, infrastructure development, and poverty alleviation programmes that directly benefit citizens.

With limited resources and competing needs, it is crucial for a responsive government to prioritise expenditures that promote economic growth and social development for the overall well-being of the populace.

Development Diaries calls on the Abia State governor, Alex Otti, to ensure the speedy assent of the bill. We also call on other state houses of assembly to replicate what their colleagues in Abia State have done in the interest of their people.

Photo source: Abia State House of Assembly