Pensioners in Abia State have urged Governor Alex Otti to reconsider his stance on clearing arrears of gratuity for retirees, calling for compassionate intervention similar to his approach to salary arrears.
Operating under the banner of the Concerned Abia Pensioners, the retirees expressed willingness for the arrears to be cleared in installments, acknowledging that the debts were inherited from previous administrations.
In a statement issued on Monday in Umuahia, the group criticized the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) for excluding them from discussions with the government. They, however, commended the governor for ensuring full and regular pension payments.
The statement, signed by the group’s Secretary Stanley Ibekwe, Chairman John Kalu, and Coordinator Chief Emeka Okezie, included an apology to the governor for alleged misrepresentations made by the NUP leadership.
“We appeal to Governor Otti to reconsider his decision on gratuity arrears. While these arrears were not incurred under his government, we hope he can extend his compassionate intervention to clearing them, even if gradually,” the statement read.
The pensioners emphasized that gratuity is a fundamental reward for public service, representing decades of dedication and labor.
Additionally, the group accused the NUP leadership of sidelining other pensioners and withholding access to a hall donated by the Rotary Club of Umuahia. They recalled being forced to hold meetings outdoors due to accusations of aligning with Governor Otti during the previous administration.
The group called on the NUP leadership to publicly apologize to the governor for allegedly spreading false information about his administration.
“We are grateful for the governor’s proactive steps in resolving pension issues and hope he considers our appeal on gratuities as a continuation of his reforms,” said Ibekwe.
