Abia State Governor has reaffirmed the commitment to settle all outstanding pension arrears owed to pensioners in the state as soon as the ongoing verification exercise for pensioners is completed.
The State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, announced this during a press briefing after the Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu recalled that Governor Otti had promised to clear all pending pension arrears during his election campaign and assured that his administration would fulfill this promise before the end of the year.
He stated, “Let me emphasize the government’s commitment to pay off all outstanding pensions once the verification exercise is completed. It is a promise that was made during the campaign, and it is a promise that will be honored. Before the end of the year, all outstanding pensions will be settled as soon as the verification exercise is concluded.”
Prince Kanu praised the efficient manner in which the pensioners’ verification process is being conducted and expressed optimism that the exercise might conclude by the next week. He highlighted the exceptional execution of the verification process, which received widespread commendation throughout the state. The government showed unprecedented care for the elderly pensioners, extending its services to their homes and providing online access for those who couldn’t attend in person.
He also mentioned that Julius Berger had been mobilized by the state government to work on the Port Harcourt Road Aba with the aim of meeting the stipulated 18-month timeline for delivery. Additionally, reconstruction work would soon commence on more roads in Aba, including Kent by Ehi Road, People’s Road, Cemetery Phase 2, and Omuma Road.
Other roads receiving government attention include Ozu Abam – Ndi Okereke – Arochukwu Road, Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Ohafia – Arochukwu Road, and ongoing desilting of various roads in the state.
The GM of ASEPA, Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke, noted that additional disposable buckets had been procured and distributed to Umuahia and Aba to improve the state’s cleanliness. The agency is working with the Abia State Orientation Agency to educate the public on the importance of maintaining better hygiene and urged people to dispose of their waste properly and pay their levies to the agency.
The Commissioner for Sports, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba, mentioned that the newly reconstituted boards of Abia Warriors, Enyimba, and Abia Comets football clubs would be inaugurated soon. Plans are also in place to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium to a world-class status, and the ministry will commence a sensitization tour to schools to encourage student participation in sports.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, revealed that the official list of transition committee chairmen for the 17 LGAs in the state has not been released yet. However, the Governor has been consulting with stakeholders on this matter. He emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing unprecedented development to the local governments and ensuring that all funds allocated for development reach them once the TC chairmen are in office.
