By NELSON NNANNA NWAFOR

When Dr. Alex Otti assumed office as the Executive Governor of Abia State, his emergence was widely heralded as the dawn of a new era — a break from the past and a bold step towards transparent, people-centered governance. Among the most prominent and repeated promises made during his campaign was the clearing of pension arrears and unpaid gratuities owed to retired civil servants — many of whom had endured years of neglect, deprivation, and hardship under successive administrations.

It was a message of hope that resonated powerfully across the state, particularly among pensioners and senior citizens who had borne the brunt of systemic failure for far too long. It is therefore deeply concerning that, several months into the current administration, many of these promises remain unfulfilled, with thousands of retirees still awaiting the payments due to them.

This lingering non-payment of pension arrears and gratuity is now emerging as a serious blemish on the goodwill that initially greeted the Otti-led government. The very people who were among its most ardent supporters — senior citizens, retired teachers, civil servants, and local government staff — are beginning to question whether the change they voted for is being delivered in earnest.

The Human Cost of Broken Promises

Retirees are not just statistics or names on a payroll. They are fathers, mothers, community leaders, and former public servants who gave the best years of their lives to the development of Abia State. Today, many of them live in abject poverty, unable to afford basic medication, feed properly, or pay rent — all because the state has failed to honor its obligation to them.

The delay in payments is not just a financial issue; it is a humanitarian crisis. With each passing month, more pensioners fall into worsening health, depression, and in some tragic cases, death — all while waiting for money that they rightfully earned. It is an injustice that must not be allowed to continue.

A Moral and Constitutional Obligation

Paying pensions and gratuities is not a favor; it is a constitutional duty and a moral obligation. The social contract between a government and its people must be upheld, particularly for those who are most vulnerable. A government that fails to cater to the needs of its elderly is one that risks losing its moral compass and public trust.

Moreover, the campaign promises made by Dr. Alex Otti were not vague commitments — they were clear, deliberate assurances. As such, the people of Abia State are not asking for charity; they are simply asking the government to fulfill the promises it made.

The Political Risk of Inaction

There is also a significant political risk attached to the continued non-payment of these entitlements. The administration’s current goodwill is not unlimited. The longer these arrears remain unpaid, the more it feeds into a narrative of disillusionment and betrayal, especially among a demographic that turned out in large numbers to support this government.

The inability to resolve the backlog could also have broader implications for public confidence in the administration’s overall capacity to deliver on other fronts — whether infrastructure, healthcare, education, or job creation.

A Call for Urgent Action

It is not too late to change course. Governor Alex Otti and his team must act with renewed urgency and political will to prioritize the clearing of pension arrears and gratuities. It may not be resolved overnight, but a clear, transparent roadmap with timelines, phased payments, and regular updates to the public would go a long way in restoring trust.

This administration has already shown a willingness to tackle tough challenges and make bold decisions. Addressing this issue head-on would not only reaffirm its commitment to social justice but also solidify its place as a government that keeps its word and values the welfare of its people.

Conclusion

Governance is not judged by lofty rhetoric or occasional acts of benevolence, but by consistent, compassionate action — especially toward the vulnerable. The Alex Otti administration has an opportunity to distinguish itself by doing what many before it failed to do: honor the service of retirees and uphold the dignity of labor.

Let history record this as a government that kept its promises — not one that squandered its goodwill on the backs of the elderly.

•Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, is a Political Analyst, Development Consultant, Environmental Justice Campainger And Human Rights Activist. He can be reached via 08033383708, 07062949232, info@fenrad.org.ng, info.fenradnigeria@gmail.com