The Abia state government has assured pensioners in the state that it will in no distant time commence the disbursement of their over 20-years unpaid gratuity owed having received the report of its committee on pension and gratuity.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma dropped this cheering news While addressing members of the Concerned Abia Pensioners at the Umuahia Sub -Treasury, School road, Umuahia.

Mr Ekeoma assured that every verified Abia pensioner will receive their gratuity as assured by Governor Alex Otti

“Apart from the committee that worked on the gratuity,the matter has been discussed at the state executive council level after the submission of the report, with the necessary harmonisation to ensure that no one is left behind”

“The gratuity would be disbursed in tranches, our Governor is determined to do it, because pensioners are his most reliable constituents and must be paid.
Remember that on assumption of office, he met huge arrears owed different institutions which ran into billions. E.g, Abia Poly was owed 32 months, Abia State College of Education and Technical Arochukwu 27 months, ABSUTH 15 months, ABSU 11 months, HMB 12 months, several years of pension arrears etc, but our Governor has been able to confront these issues and has been dealing decisively with them, to the excitement of the workers and pensioners”, Ekeoma State.

He assured them that the present administration sees pensioners as part of one family and will continue to support them beyond their statutory rights.

The Governor’s Aide described Pensioners as an integral part of the Governor Alex Otti’s administration as Abia pensioners played a crucial role in enthroning the government of Dr Alex Otti that everyone enjoys today.

He noted that the meeting was to thank the pensioners for their support and solidarity for the present administration, assuring that the government will continue to prioritize their welfare.

“This meeting is long overdue, even though i have been meetijg with your leaders. The first is to thank you people for your support and solidarity with the Administration of His Excellency,Dr Alex Otti, OFR, which is unprecedented.
It is on this premise that the government of the day is doing everything possible to prioritize the welfare of Abia pensioners” Ekeoma stated.

Mr Ekeoma promised that the meeting will be a regular one so as to be getting first hand information on their areas of concern, assuring that a befitting place would be provided for their meeting.

In their speeches,the Coordinator,Concerned Abia pensioners Chief Emeka Okezie and the Chairman Concerned Abia pensioners,Elder Kalu John said that the era of wearing black clothes representing mourning is gone as Governor Otti has taken away their period of mourning and reproach and restored their dignity.

“We are the Concerned Abia pensioners,we are no longer putting on black,we are pleased with Governor Otti’s administration, that’s why we are now putting on white, and we will keep supporting The Governor” the Pensioners noted.

They Commended Governor Otti for his giant strides and for prioritizing the welfare of Abia pensioners which has restored their hope for better tomorrow and requested for an opportunity to meet with their Governor so as to tell him how much they are proud of him.

They also appealed that the government should intervene in the NUP leadership saga which has expired to enable the union enthrone a new leadership that will represent the interest of all members in the state.

Report by Eze Adimoha
December 11, 2025.