Pensioners hail Governor Otti for paying gratuities

The leadership of the Concerned Abia State Pensioners has commended the 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 signed by the senior citizen and Chairman of the group, Elder John A. Kalu and the coordinator, Chief Emeka Okezie expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to defray the outstanding gratuity beginning with pensioners whose entitlements accrued between 2001 and 2010.

The concerned pensioners described the development as a demonstration of the Governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners and addressing the longstanding backlog of gratuity payments in the state.

According to the group, it is particularly grateful to Governor Otti 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.

They commended the Governor for his commitment to ensuring that the backlog of gratuity would not recur in the state, noting that the administration had put measures in place to sustain the payment of gratuity as they are due.

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.

They further assured the administration of their continued support and prayers, while describing the payment of the accumulated gratuity as a landmark development in the history of pension administration in Abia State.

They equally assured the Governor that the pensioners would continue to support Governor Alex Otti and ensure he is reelected in 2027 to continue his good works in Abia State.