Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has explained why he was unable to pay off the arrears of pensions being owed to retired civil servants by the end of 2023. Otti had at the start of his administration in May, assured that by December 2023, he would clear off the backlog of arrears owed pensioners in the state by previous administrations. To ensure that the verification exercise did not add extra burden to the already owed pensioners, we took it down to them at their respective wards. He said on inception, “We made a solemn commitment that we shall make regular payment of salaries and pensions a priority. “In 2024 the state shall be investing in the critical sectors to spur economic growth, create employment opportunities and revive local businesses, particularly MSMEs.

Source: Punch January 01, 2024 19:56 UTC