Abia pensioners appealed to Governor Alex Otti on Monday to reconsider the issue of arrears of gratuities owed to retirees in the state. They urged him to review his decision, in line with the agreement reached by the leadership of the Abia State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

Led by their Chairman, Elder John Kalu, the pensioners acknowledged that these arrears were not incurred by the current government but requested that Governor Otti extend his compassionate intervention, as he has done with salary arrears.

They stated they would be willing for the arrears of gratuity to be cleared in instalments.

In a press briefing in Umuahia, the pensioners, under the aegis of Concerned Abia Pensioners, expressed that they had not been involved in the agreement reached between the NUP leadership and the state government. They expressed hope that the governor would reconsider his decision.

The Secretary, Comrade Stanley Ibekwe, stated they were grateful for the regular and full payment of their pensions under Otti?s administration, alongside current workers. He also apologised to the governor for the misrepresentations against him and his government by the leadership of the Abia NUP, emphasising the importance of gratuity for public servants.

?While we have been advocating for Abia pensioners over the years, we unequivocally apologise to our governor for the unprovoked distortions, disinformation, and misrepresentations against him and his government by the NUP.

?We appeal to him to reconsider the issue of gratuity and ensure that, though these arrears were not incurred by his government, he extends his compassionate intervention by clearing them, as he has with salary arrears, even if done in instalments.

?This is because gratuity is the essence of public service, and no one should be deprived of it after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60.?

The pensioners also criticised the leadership of the NUP, accusing them of political motivations and urging them to apologise to both the governor and the people of Abia for their actions. They described the NUP?s sudden agitation as ?self-serving and politically motivated.?

Ibekwe questioned, ?Why did the NUP remain silent for years and support the PDP government, which owed our members, only to turn around and attack, vilify, and spread lies about the current government? This government has cleared a substantial portion of the pension arrears owed by the previous administration and has started paying pensions regularly and in full.?

He also revealed that the NUP leadership had locked out other members from their meeting hall, which was donated by the Rotary Club of Umuahia, accusing them of supporting Dr Alex Otti during the previous struggle.

?This action forced us to hold our meetings outside, under the sun, and this is verifiable,? he added. (The PUNCH)

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