NBA chairman hails Gov. Uzodimma over revocation of Ex Govs’, Speakers’ pensions in Imo
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Orlu Branch has applauded the Sen. Hope Uzodimma administration in Imo state and the State House of Assembly for enactment of the law that revoked payment of pensions to former governors and Speakers of the state.
Mr Celestine Agbordike, Chairman of NBA Orlu Branch made the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Sunday.
Agbordike said the new piece of legislation had liberated the people of the state from the humongous financial burden of servicing past governors, Speakers and their deputies.
He said the outlawed pension law which also provided that the former leaders get new vehicles every three years was anti people in view of the paucity of funds which made payment of salaries and pension to retirees a challenge.
Agbordike expressed regrets that the same administration that enacted the ex governors and speakers pension law was the one which could not pay workers and pensioners as and when due on the claims that there was no money.
“The government of Imo state under Sen. Hope Uzodimma, his name in the gold in our history for saving Imo state over N 1 billion annually with the signing into law the bill which revoked the payment of pensions to former governors and speakers and their deputies.
“This anti people law was passed by the Eighth Assembly assented to by the Sen. Rochas Okoroacha administration in the most clandestine manner in a bid to exploit the people of Imo especially the senior citizens whose pensions are not paid as and when due to paucity of fund according to the state government.
‘It is unfortunate that the same elements who claimed there was no money will turn back to pay a heavy amount monthly to themselves after serving the state for just four or eight years which always include massive corruption.
“We give kudos to His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodinma for doing the unexpected in spite the distractions by ensuring speedy assent to the bill,” he said.
The NBA chairman who said Gov. Uzodimma had demonstrated uncommon political will and called on other states where that type of law existed to take a cue.
He commended the lawmaker who proposed the bill and the entire members of the House of Assembly who ensured that it received the required support to scale through.
According to him, Imo state is now free from the exploitation of the former governors and the speakers and their deputies.
“On behalf of my branch, I want to commend the entire honorable members of Imo Eighth Assembly for doing a yeoman’s job in the interest of the entire people of Imo state
