Abia Assembly Establishes New Ministry to Reduce State’s Dependence on Federal Allocation

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed H.A.B 27, the Abia State Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) Bill 2024, which aims to create the Abia State Ministry of Finance (Incorporated) and address related matters. The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Okoro Uchenna Kalu (Arochukwu State Constituency), was fast-tracked after extensive debates. The primary benefits of the law, according to the Assembly, include fostering private sector investment, wealth creation, and reducing the state’s reliance on federal allocations. The law is set to take effect on November 26, 2024. During the plenary, Egwuronu Ochuru Obasi, the representative for Ohafia North State Constituency, raised a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, urging the Abia State Government to investigate the causes of adverse drug reactions experienced by his constituents in Abiriba. The reactions occurred after residents consumed medication distributed by a donor agency, Imo-Hope for the Hopeless, as part of a free medical outreach organized by the Presbyterian Church in Abiriba. In response, the Assembly expressed concern over the incident, noting that the agency did not obtain approval from relevant authorities before conducting the outreach. The lawmakers resolved that the Ministry of Health should investigate the matter to identify the donor agency and the origin of the drugs administered to the residents of Abiriba.