Abia Pensioners, under the aegis of Concerned Abia Pensioners, have called on Governor Alex Otti to reconsider his stance on the arrears of gratuities owed to retirees in the state.
The Pensioners who acknowledged that the arrears of gratuity were inherited from past administrations, appealed for the Governor’s compassionate intervention, similar to his efforts in addressing salary arrears.
Speaking during a press briefing in Umuahia, Secretary of the Concerned Abia Pensioners, Comrade Stanley Ibekwe alongside the group’s Chairman, Elder John Kalu, and Coordinator, Chief Emeka Okezie, among other Executive Members of the Group, appreciated Governor Otti for ensuring regular and full payment of pensions.
They noted that pensioners now receive their entitlements alongside current workers, a development which they said has significantly alleviated their plight.
The Pensioners emphasized the importance of gratuity payments to retired public servants and expressed willingness for the gratuities to be cleared in installments.
Apologizing on behalf of the group, Comrade Ibekwe expressed regret over what he described as “misrepresentations and distortions”, by the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) against the Governor and his administration.
“We the Concerned Abia Pensioners, who have been speaking for Abia Pensioners over the years, unequivocally apologise to our Governor for the unprovoked distortions, disinformation and misrepresentations against his person and his government by the NUP.
“We appeal to him to please take a second look at the issue of gratuity and ensure that though these arrears were not incurred by his government, but that he extends his compassionate intervention by clearing them like he has done on salary arrears, even if it’s done installmentally.
“This is because, gratuity is the whole essence of the public service and nobody would think of losing his gratuity after his 35 years of service or 60 years of age in the Service”, Ibekwe stated.
The Group criticized the leadership of the NUP, accusing it of remaining silent during previous administrations, despite years of neglect and unpaid pensions and gratuities and described the NUP’s recent agitation as self-serving and politically motivated.
“Why did NUP keep quiet over the years, and surreptitiously supported the PDP Government that owed our members over the years by refusing to talk, only to suddenly turn around to attack, vilify and lie against the present government that has not only defrayed a chunk of the pension arrears owed by the past government, but has started paying pensioners regularly and in full?” Ibekwe said.
The Group also alleged that the NUP leadership marginalized dissenting voices among Pensioners and barred them from using facilities meant for all retirees.
“We were locked out because they accused us of working against the PDP Government and supporting Dr. Alex Otti in those dark days of our struggle.
“This action made us to be staying outside, under the sun to hold our meetings up till now. This is verifiable.” Ibekwe stated.
The Concerned Abia Pensioners reiterated their gratitude to Governor Otti for his efforts to alleviate their suffering and appealed for continued support to address the lingering issue of gratuity arrears.
