It was jubilation in Abia State Thursday as governor Alex Otti begins payment of pensions and pension arrears accumulated by previous administrations in the state.
The pensioners can now hive sigh of relief as bank alerts begin to swam the phones of pensioners who have suffered much in the hands of former administrations in the state
As a result therefore, the pensioners in Abia State have concluded plans to show their appreciation to the governor through all-in-white thank you and solidarity match to the governor.
According to the Coordinator, Concerned Abia Pensioners, CAP Chief Emeka Okezie, “Otti started payment of the pension yesterday, Wednesday and today, Thursday, started paying the pension arrears”.
He confirmed, “I have received my own and many others have. Some were paid N1.7m, some N1.8m and even more. Although we were paid half monthly pensions this month, this is the last. From next month, April, it will be full monthly pensions payment”.
Chief Okezie who led the Concerned Abia Pensioners severally on protest against the immediate-past administration in the state, disclosed, that the pressure group has concluded plans for a solidarity march to congratulate the governor, adding, “we are going to wear white on that day”.
Recall that Gov. Otti had during his inaugural speech assured that he will offset the pension arrears and last Monday, he affirmed that promise.
When asked for his comments, a Media Adviser to the state governor, Ferdinand Ekeoma declined, stating that comments and commendations should be left for the pensioners themselves.
No Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP Abia State chapter could be reached for their reactions.
Earlier on Thursday during the 2024 Chrism Mass at Christ The King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba, had declared that pensioners, who were owed several months arrears of pensions by previous administrations, can now heave a sigh of relief as they will, effective today, March 28, 2024, begin to receive arrears of their pensions.
The Governor, noted that he was committed to fulfilling his campaign promises and delivering democracy dividends to the people, and used the opportunity to confirm to pensioners in the state that their long-awaited pensions would be disbursed before the close of business on Thursday.
“Some of you (Pensioners) have been owed since 2014. At the end of today (Thursday, March 28, 2024), all of you will smile. Check your accounts at the end of business today,” the Governor enthused.
