Abia Pensioners Insist On Payment Of Entitlements From State Government

Pensioners in Abia State have issued a stern warning to Governor Alex Otti, urging him to honour his campaign promises to them. The Abia Pensioners Forum, led by Coordinator Okey Kanu, addressed journalists in Umuahia on Monday, expressing dissatisfaction with the state government's handling of their entitlements. They accused Governor Otti of failing to fulfill an agreement to pay their pension and gratuity arrears, despite promises made during his election campaigns in 2015, 2019, and 2023. The pensioners recalled that Otti had promised to pay their gratuity by the end of July 2026, but his recent response to a question on the matter had left them feeling hopeless. They appealed to the government to commence immediate payment of their retirement benefits, starting with gratuity, as many pensioners have died without receiving their entitlements. Those still alive are in dire need of the payment to cater to their basic needs, including food, medication, and other subsistence requirements. The pensioners also expressed disappointment that former Local Government Chairmen and Councillors who served for only two years under previous administrations had been paid their entitlements, while they, who served for 35 years or attained 60 years of age, were being treated with disregard. They urged Governor Otti to fulfill his campaign promises to Abia pensioners and the general public, emphasizing that it is the living who can appreciate and enjoy the infrastructure being put in place by the governor. The pensioners also appealed to the government to ensure that their pension and gratuity arrears were not exploited for political gain.