The leadership of the Concerned Abia State Pensioners has appreciated Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for commencing the payment of gratuity arrears owed pensioners by previous administrations in the state.
The group, in a statement issued in Umuahia on Thursday, September 10 2026 and endorsed by the Chairman Elder John A. Kalu and the coordinator, Chief Emeka Okezie thanked Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to defray the outstanding gratuity beginning with pensioners whose entitlements accrued between 2001 and 2010.
The group made it clear that the development is a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners and addressing the longstanding backlog of gratuity payments in the state.
The group further commended the Governor for earmarking over N60 billion for the settlement of the outstanding gratuity, describing the initiative as a significant step towards alleviating the hardship faced by pensioners who have waited for years to receive their entitlements.
The group also expressed happiness over the Governor’s reassurance during his August media chat that the government would proceed with the payment of gratuity owed from 2011 to date after the current phase.
The group also welcomed the Governor’s commitment towards ensuring that the backlog of gratuity would not recur in the state.
The pensioners urged the Governor to remain committed to the welfare of retirees and expressed confidence that the ongoing process would bring relief to many pensioners and their families across the state.
The concerned Pensioners therefore assured the administration of their continued support and prayers, adding that they would ensure his reelection to continue his good works in Abia State.
