Former Nigerian leader, Olusegun Obasanjo, has lauded Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for abolishing the controversial law permitting former governors and deputies to receive pensions.
Obasanjo urged other governors to follow Otti’s lead, emphasizing the need to curb extravagant spending in governance.
Speaking during a visit to Otti at the Governor’s residence in Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area, Obasanjo hailed the move as a decisive step towards reducing the financial burden on states.
He criticized the previous pension system as “daylight robbery,” noting its unfairness to ordinary citizens who struggle without receiving their due pensions.
“I congratulate you and urge your colleagues to emulate your courage. Despite potential backlash, your actions set a positive precedent,” Obasanjo said
While he acknowledges Otti’s commitment to development, Obasanjo encouraged him to prioritize infrastructure projects, noting the state’s entrepreneurial spirit.
In response, Otti thanked Obasanjo for his support and reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to infrastructure development, particularly focusing on power supply as a catalyst for economic growth.
The Abia State House of Assembly recently passed a bill sponsored by Majority Leader Okoro Uchenna Kalu to repeal the pension law for former governors and deputies, which Otti promptly signed into law, signaling a significant policy shift.
