Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has vowed that “civil servants and pensioners in Abia State will receive their salaries before political office holders are paid.”
He expressed dismay over the prolonged indebtedness to pensioners by previous administrations, highlighting that his administration has cleared the backlog of unpaid pensions.
Governor Otti emphasized in his Easter message to Abia citizens that the delay in pension payments was unacceptable, stating that “it is regrettable that retired civil servants were denied their entitlements for an extended period.”
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring timely payment of pensions, directing that “full pensions must be paid on or before the 28th of every month, the very same day civil servants in the State get their salaries.”
Additionally, he underscored that political office holders will only receive their payments after fulfilling obligations to pensioners and civil servants.
Governor Otti expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in the State for their support, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the welfare of Abia people.
He highlighted the state’s improved security situation and encouraged investment and tourism without apprehension.
Governor Otti extended Easter greetings to Abia people and Christians, pledging comprehensive development across the state during his tenure.
“It is indeed regrettable that these great men and women (pensioners), who toiled for the State at the peak of their productive years were owed for so long.
“At any rate, as I mentioned in my address to Abians shortly after my inauguration, never again shall our senior citizens be subjected to the agony of unpaid entitlements.
“I have since directed that full pensions must be paid on or before the 28th of every month, the very same day civil servants in the State get their salaries.
“As a rule, political office holders will only be paid after our obligations to our senior citizens and civil servants have been fulfilled, in full,” Governor Otti affirmed.
