All Pension Arrears Will Be Paid Once Verification Is Concluded – Otti Restates

Abia state Governor, Dr Alex Otti has restated commitment to offsetting all pension arrears owed pensioners in the State as soon as the ongoing verification exercise for pensioners is concluded.

The commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu made this known while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia on the outcome of this week’s EXCO meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Prince Kanu recalled that Governor Otti had during the electioneering campaign promised to clear all outstanding arrears owed pensioners by the previous administration, assured that the present administration would do the needful before the end of the year.

“Let me reiterate government’s position to pay off all outstanding pensions once the verification exercise is done.

“It is a promise that was made during the campaigns and since this government came on board, it is a promise that will be kept.

“Before the end of the year, all outstanding pensions will be paid as soon as the verification exercise is concluded”.

Prince Kanu lauded the efficient manner the pensioners’ verification process is being conducted in the state and expressed optimism that the smooth progress of the exercise might lead to its conclusion by the next week.

The commissioner noted that the exercise has garnered widespread commendation throughout the state for its exceptional execution and added that pensioners are delighted with the unprecedented care shown during the process.

He said that the verification team extended their services to the homes of elderly pensioners who could not travel, those who were unable to attend in person were guided to utilize the Sub Treasury while those residing far from the verification centers were provided with online codes ensuring to access to the verification process.

Prince Kanu while noting that Julius Berger has been mobilized to site by the state government in order to meet up with the stipulated 18 months timeline delivery of Port Harcourt road Aba, said reconstruction work would soon commence on more roads in Aba including Kent by Ehi road, People’s road, Cemetery phase 2 as well as Omuma road.

According to him,other roads which would receive government attention to include Ozu Abam -Ndi Okereke- Arochukwu road, Umuahia -Uzuakoli -Ohafia -Arochukwu road while the desilting of various roads in the state is ongoing.

Adding his voice the GM ASEPA Mr Ogbonnia Okereke disclosed that additional disposable buckets have been procured and distributed to Umuahia and Aba to further enhance the cleanliness of the state , adding that the Agency is working with the Abia state Orientation Agency to educate the people on the need to maintain improved hygiene.

He urged the people to dispose their waste properly as well as pay their levies to the agency.

On his part, the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Nwaobilor Ananaba said that members of the newly reconstituted boards of Abia warriors, Enyimba and Abia Comets football clubs would be inaugurated on Tuesday, 17th October, 2023 while plans are on to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to a world class status adding that the Ministry will soon commence sensitization tour to schools on the need for students to partake in sporting activities.

The commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu in his submission said that no official list has been released as names of transition committee chairmen of the 17 LGAs in the state, adding however that the Governor has been consulting with stakeholders over the matter.

He disclosed that the government is committed to bringing unparalleled development to the local governments and as such is determined to ensure that all money accruing to the the councils for development get to them once the TC chairmen come on board.