Governor Alex Otti has directed the Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Godson Anucha and other top government functionaries to hold renewed talks with the National leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) over the lingering dispute between the State Government and the Abia State chapter of the Union.
Governor Otti who issued the directive when he received a delegation from the National Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, led by the National President, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, assured that his administration would revisit the matter with a view to achieving a lasting resolution.
Recall that Governor Otti had during a thanksgiving service in honour of Senator Chris Adighije on March 22, 2025, pledged to take “a second look” at the existing pension crisis with the NUP.
The dispute began after the Otti-led administration entered into an agreement with the NUP and disbursed ₦10 billion to offset pension arrears dating back to 2018.
However, leaders of the Pensioners’ Union later alleged they signed the agreement under duress and subsequently disowned the terms.
Governor Otti who recalled that Abia pensioners were among his strongest supporters during the 2015, 2019, and 2023 elections, attributed the current friction between his administration and the State chapter of the NUP to what he described as the insincerity of its leadership, who, after signing an agreement with the government, later denied its existence.
The Governor emphasised that his administration has remained consistent in paying monthly pensions to retirees on or before the 28th of every month, even before salaries are paid to those still in active service.
He expressed dismay that the State NUP leadership continues to peddle falsehoods despite this commitment.
He further disclosed that, contrary to advice from the Union’s leadership to disregard outstanding pension arrears and gratuities, his government went ahead to earmark a substantial sum of ₦10 billion, which was subsequently disbursed among pensioners across the State.
Speaking earlier, the National President of the NUP,, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, said the Union was in the state to appeal to the Governor to forgive the leadership of the Abia State chapter of the NUP and to consider revisiting the lingering issues surrounding pensions and gratuities.
Mazi Abumisi stated that any document previously signed by the State NUP leadership concerning gratuities was done in ignorance and runs contrary to the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He commended Governor Otti for his remarkable strides in key sectors of the State, describing him as a “star performer”, adding that the Governor’s performance has already earned him a second term in office.
