The Abia State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed the Abia State Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) Bill, 2024 (H.A.B 27) into law. Sponsored by the Majority Leader, Hon. Okoro Uchenna Kalu, the legislation seeks to establish the Abia State Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) and address related matters. The bill underwent all necessary legislative processes before its approval.

During the second reading, Hon. Uchenna emphasized the importance of the bill in light of the increasing need for states to expand their revenue base. He explained that the legislation would empower the Finance Ministry to engage in commercial transactions on behalf of the state, thereby boosting revenue generation. He also noted that the bill would assign responsibility for managing government investments to the ministry and urged his colleagues to support its passage.

The bill received overwhelming backing from House members and was subsequently passed into law. Upon the governor’s assent, the legislation will take effect from November 26, 2024.

In another development during the plenary session, the House addressed a matter of urgent public importance brought forward by Hon. Mandela Obasi, representing Ohafia North Constituency. He raised concerns over an adverse drug reaction incident on November 23, 2024, which affected over 100 individuals in his constituency. The drugs were distributed by a donor agency, Imo-Hope for the Hopeless, in collaboration with the Presbyterian Church in Abiriba.

Hon. Obasi called on the state government and Ministry of Health to investigate the donor agency, the source of the drugs, and the qualifications of the health practitioners involved. He also appealed to Governor Alex Otti to provide financial assistance to the affected villagers, many of whom are unable to afford medical treatment.