GOV. OTTI SIGNS ABIA STATE ELECTRICITY BILL INTO LAW

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has signed into law the Abia State Electricity Bill, which empowers the state to regulate its own electricity market. The Executive Legislation provides for the setting up of the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA). Governor Otti said that the 64-page law would support the power initiatives of the government and strengthen the plans of his administration to extend power to the rest of the 8 LGAs of the state, which are not covered by Geometric power limited covering 9 LGAs. The Governor who shared his expectations during the bill signing ceremony, said that his administration had the capacity to implement the law.  "This is a document that will stand the test of time. It is a document that will protect the investment of everyone that wants to invest in Abia. It is also a document that speaks renewable energy," he declared. Governor Otti added that "The remaining 8 local government areas in the State that are not under the Aba ring - fence, we are working hard to bring them under the Umuahia ring - fence. "So, this legislation would support that initiative, and we are very close to signing an MoU moving forward in that direction. It also would protect prospective investors in power generation.” The Governor commended the State House of Assembly for the speedy but careful passage of the bill and appreciated the development partners for their inputs. "I want to thank the State House of Assembly for the passage of this bill that emanated from the executive, speedily but carefully.”  In his remarks, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, while presenting the bill for signing, said that Abia State was on the right path with the electricity bill. Details of the proceedings were contained in a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. UKOHA NJOKU UKOHA.