The State Public Service Negotiating Council (Council 1), Trade Union Side, Abia State, has commended Governor Alex Otti for his administration’s worker-friendly policies, noting that the welfare of Abia workers has significantly improved under his leadership.
In a Democracy Day goodwill message signed by Comrade Sunday Agoha (Chairman, Council 1) and Comrade Okoye Iloabuchi P. (Secretary, Council 1), the Council praised Governor Otti for clearing salary and pension arrears amounting to over N40 billion within two years and ensuring prompt and regular salary payments.
According to the Council, Abia workers have never had it this good, attributing the positive change to the Governor’s prioritization of workers’ welfare and digitization of government operations for improved efficiency.
The Council also applauded the Otti administration for initiating the construction and equipping of Smart Schools across the 17 Local Government Areas, a move it described as a legacy project that will ensure quality education for both current and future generations of Abians.
On infrastructure, the Council noted what it termed “an unmatched revolution” in road rehabilitation, citing the reconstruction of the long-abandoned 41.4km Ohafia–Arochukwu Road, as well as work on the Umuahia–Uzuakoli–Abiriba–Ohafia Road and Port Harcourt Road, among others.
In the area of security, the introduction of the Operation Crush joint task force was also lauded for contributing to improved safety across the state.
However, while acknowledging the Governor’s achievements, the Council made a number of appeals. These include:
Accelerated promotion and clearance of outstanding promotion arrears by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Quarterly skills upgrade programs for civil servants on Grade Levels 07–17.
Development of 5,000 affordable housing units for workers.
Approval of a 40% transport allowance to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
Sustenance of regular salary and pension payments.
Expansion of subsidized healthcare services for government employees.
Equitable job opportunities to encourage youth participation in governance.
Strengthening of civil service cooperative societies for financial empowerment.
The Council reaffirmed its support for Governor Otti’s administration and called on the Governor to sustain the momentum of reforms aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Abia workers and residents.
