The Leadership of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria, Abia state Branch has appealed to the state Government for the return of local government matters to the Pension Board in accordance with the Abia State Official Gazette No. 10 of 1995 Section 13 sub-section 1-2 and Section 15.
The Senior Civil Servants led by the State Chairman of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria Abia State branch Comrade James Iwuoha and Vice Chairman Elder Igwe Ucho, made the appeal at Government House Umuahia, during a visit to the Chief of staff to the Governor,Pastor Caleb Ajagba.
The Pensioners thanked Governor Alex Otti for
fulfilling his promise to clear all pension arrears for senior citizens and ensuring full monthly pension payments, also appealed for the reconstitution of the Local Government Pensions Board in the state.
Receiving the Pensioners on behalf of the Governor, Pastor Ajagba commended them for their dedicated service to the state and assured them of continued monthly pension payments.
Pastor Ajagba who highlighted Governor Otti’s commitment to fulfilling promises, not just as campaign rhetoric but as a genuine pledge, praised the emergence of a revitalized Abia under the present administration,assuring them of better days ahead.
In their contribution, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs. Meg Ugoanosi and her counterpart in Legal Matters, Mrs. Cleopatra Ubani disclosed that the Governor presented a Pension Bill to the State House of Assembly which aims to enforce regular pension payments and prosecute those failing to do so.
They noted that the bill which would mark a significant step towards ensuring pensioners’ rights are protected in Abia, would also help to checkmate the excesses of nonpayment of pensions.