Abia pensioners urge governor to honour payment promises
Pensioners in Abia State have called on Governor Alex Otti to fulfil his campaign promises regarding their unpaid entitlements. Speaking under the Abia Pensioners Forum, they criticised the state government for failing to address their ongoing plight. The group, led by Okey Kanu, highlighted the unfulfilled agreements and expressed frustration over the continued delay in settling pension and gratuity arrears. They dismissed claims that the current administration had cleared the inherited pension arrears.
What we know
- Governor Alex Otti was accused of not honouring agreements to clear pension and gratuity arrears.
- The pensioners recalled promises made during election campaigns in 2015, 2019, and 2023, including a specific pledge to pay gratuities by the end of July 2026.
- Many pensioners have died without receiving their benefits, while others struggle to meet basic needs.
- The group criticised the payment of entitlements to former local government officials who served only two years, while career pensioners remain unpaid.
- Pensioners urged the government not to allow their issues to be used for political purposes and to begin payments urgently.
