Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
There appears to be an end in sight for Abia workers’ plights as Gov. Alex Otti has assured that defrayal of their accumulated salary arrears would commence by the end of June.
Otti who gave the assurance while speaking at a reception in honour of the member representing Ikwuano Umuahia federal constituency, Hon Obi Aguocha, expressed concern over the predicaments of workers following many months of salary arrears but said efforts were being intensified to begin the defrayal by the end of the month.
He declared that by the end of December, 2023 all outstanding Abia workers’ salary arrears would have been cleared.
Governor Otti who explained that forensic audit of workers had begun to ascertain the actual number of workers in the state, said he came on board to change the narrative.
Ikengaonline had reported that Otti, had during his inaugural speech promised to prioritise workers’ welfare, assuring that payment of salaries will not exceed the 28th day of every month.
The immediate- past administration of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu owed workers up to 30 months salary arrears while pensioners were owed for 40 months.
Abia workers embarked on indefinite strike before the exit of Ikpeazu but suspended their strike after about one week after Otti assumed office to give him time to settle down.
Gov. Otti who said he inherited close to N200 billion debt from his predecessor, said he had not come to give excuses for failure but came to solve problems.
“I must assure you that we will deal with them. By the end of this month we would start paying confirmed salary arrears.
“You also know that a lot of our elderly people, who have retired, have been owed several years of pension arrears. We promised during our campaign that we were going to defray the arrears. We will start as soon as possible.
“What is holding us is that we also found out that there is a lot of fictitious figures and numbers that cannot be confirmed.”
Otti said his Government had embarked on proper verification of workers in the state civil service prior to the commencement of payment of the outstanding salaries.
“So we have started with the forensic audit to ensure that we will be paying the right people.
“We plead with you to exercise patience and understand with us as we work to make Abia State a better place.”
Speaking earlier, Hon. Aguocha thanked Dr. Otti for all his supports which contributed to his victory, and promised to complement the Governor’s efforts in repositioning Abia State.
The lawmaker assured his constituents that they would enjoy federal presence and democracy dividends during his tenure.
