Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving longstanding pension challenges by fostering dialogue and inclusiveness.
He made this known during a courtesy visit by the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.
He noted that resolving the pension challenges in the state required collaboration, deep reflection, and goodwill from all parties involved.
He clarified that the backlog of pensions predates his administration but expressed his willingness to manage the situation
He said that the exact figure of the backlog of pensions had remained uncleared as pension obligations kept growing with ongoing retirements.
He also said that there was a political will to solve the problem and expressed confidence in finding a workable solution.
The governor recalled inviting the state NUP leaders to his office on assumption of office to begin talks on the pension crisis.
He also recalled his administration securing N10 billion to offset part of the pension arrears based on amounts owed.
According to him, pensioners owed N1 million or less were paid in full, while larger amounts received partial payments.
Otti noted that in spite of the intervention, the state NUP leaders misrepresented the facts and frustrated genuine efforts at reconciliation.
Earlier, the National President of NUP, Mr Godwin Abumisi, urged the governor to forgive the state chapter of the union and reopen discussions.
Abumisi said that the document the state leaders of NUP signed with the government concerning gratuity was signed in ignorance and should be set aside in good faith.
“Whatever document they signed with the state government concerning their gratuity was signed in ignorance.
“I am here to plead with you to discard that document. After they signed it, they reported to me at Abuja and I said it is not done.
“We are not here today to argue whether they did it or not. Your Excellency I plead that you forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing,” he said.
Abumisi also commended the governor for prioritising salaries, pensions, and infrastructure describing him as a “star performer”.
Governor Alex Otti thereafter responded by constituting a new negotiating team to address the lingering pension issues in Abia State. The team is to be headed by his Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Mr. Godson Anucha, signaling the administration’s renewed commitment to dialogue and resolution.
The panel comprises top officials from the state government, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Kenneth Kalu; Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi.
