Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has commenced the payment of gratuities to retired local government workers, covering retirees from 1996 to date.
To facilitate the process, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has inaugurated a six-member committee led by Mrs. Catherine Ogbu to verify and process payments for eligible retirees.
Other members of the committee include Mrs. Mbam Joy, Dr. Cajethan Oketa, Hon. Justice Iheanachor Chima, and Comrade David Elom, representing the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). Mr. Martins Uguru will serve as the committee’s secretary.
Inaugurating the committee, Governor Nwifuru urged the members to carry out their assignment with transparency, fairness, and integrity.
“I have full confidence in the calibre of persons selected for this important assignment,” he said.
“Everyone who served this state at the local government level deserves their full entitlements. We are undertaking this initiative not because the state has surplus funds, but because it is as important as any physical project.”
He further directed that each retiree be paid immediately upon verification and confirmation, using all available documentation.
“Ensure that every retiree receives their payment alert on the same day they are verified,” he instructed.
Governor Nwifuru also commended the Local Government Council Chairmen for prioritizing the exercise and supporting its smooth implementation.
