Abia to commence disbursement of over 20-yrs unpaid gratuity

The Abia state government has assured pensioners in the state that it will in no distant time commence the disbursement of their over 20-years unpaid gratuity owed, having received the report of its committee on pension and gratuity.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, the special adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, gave the cheering news in a meeting with members of the Concerned Abia Pensioners at the Sub -Treasury, School road, Umuahia.

Ekeoma, assured that all verified Abia pensioner will receive their gratuity, as assured by Governor Alex Otti

“Apart from the committee that worked on the gratuity, the matter has been discussed at the state executive council level after the submission of the report, with the necessary harmonisation to ensure that no one is left out”

“The gratuity, would be disbursed in tranches, our Governor is determined to do it, because pensioners are his most reliable constituents and must be paid.

“Remember that on assumption of office, he met huge arrears owed different institutions, which ran into billions. For instance, the Abia State Polytechnic, was owed 32 months, Abia State College of Education and Technical Arochukwu 27 months, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba (ABSUTH) 15 months, Abia State University (ABSU)11 months, Health Management Board (HMB) 12 months and several years of pension arrears.”

He however noted that Governor Otti, has not only started clearing the arears, but also has been prompt with payment of salaries.

He assured them that the present administration sees pensioners as part of one family and will continue to support them beyond their statutory rights.

The Governor’s Aide, described Pensioners as an integral part of the Governor Alex Otti’s administration as Abia pensioners played a crucial role in enthroning him in office that everyone enjoys today.

Read also: Otti reiterates commitment to prioritise Abia workers’ welfare

He noted that the meeting was to thank the pensioners for their support and solidarity for the present administration, assuring that the government will continue to prioritize their welfare.

“This meeting is long overdue, even though I have been meeting with your leaders. The first is to thank you people for your support and solidarity with the administration of Governor Alex Otti, which is unprecedented.

“It is on this premise that the government of the day is doing everything possible to prioritize the welfare of Abia pensioners” Ekeoma stated,” he stated.

Ekeoma, promised that the meeting will be a regular one, so as to be getting first hand information on their areas of concern, assuring that a befitting place would be provided for their meeting.

Emeka Okezie, the coordinator, Concerned Abia Pensioners and Elder Kalu John, the chairman Concerned Abia pensioners, in their seperate speeches, observed that the era of wearing black clothes, representing mourning is gone, as Governor Otti, has taken away their period of mourning and reproach and restored their dignity.

“We are the Concerned Abia Pensioners,we are no longer putting on black, we are pleased with Governor Otti’s administration, that’s why we are now putting on white, and we will keep supporting the Governor” the Pensioners noted.

They commended Governor Otti for his giant strides and for prioritizing the welfare of Abia Pensioners, which has restored their hope for better tomorrow and requested for an opportunity to meet with their Governor, so as to tell him how much they are proud of him.

They also appealed that the government should intervene in the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) leadership saga, to enable the union enthrone a new leadership that will represent the interest of all members in the state.

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