The Concerned Abia Pensioners, a prominent advocacy group, has called on the state government to address the backlog of gratuity arrears, suggesting payment in instalments as a feasible solution.
The group made this appeal during a briefing in Umuahia, led by its chairman, John Kalu.
Kalu emphasized that while the arrears were inherited from previous administrations, the current government should tackle them just as it addressed outstanding salary arrears. He noted that pensioners would accept a phased payment approach, expressing hope that the state would reconsider its stance on gratuity payments previously agreed upon by the Abia chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Highlighting concerns over the initial agreement, Kalu explained that pensioners were not adequately consulted by the NUP leadership before decisions were made. He urged the government to revisit the matter in collaboration with all stakeholders.
The group’s secretary, Stanley Ibekwe, commended Governor Alex Otti for ensuring regular, deduction-free pension payments. However, he appealed for a compassionate resolution to the gratuity issue, even if payments are staggered over time.
Ibekwe stated, “Gratuity represents the culmination of a lifetime of public service. No one should have to forfeit it after dedicating 35 years or reaching retirement age. We urge the governor to extend his commitment to clearing arrears, even if gradually, to restore dignity to retired public servants.”
Governor Otti’s administration had previously waived a portion of the pensioners’ gratuity under a Memorandum of Agreement signed with the NUP executive. The pensioners, however, hope the government will revisit this decision, reflecting its earlier efforts to address salary arrears.
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