Abia State to Settle 22-Year Salary Arrears for Councillors

The Abia State Government, under Governor Alex Otti, has announced a plan to commence the settlement of 22-year salary arrears owed to former local government councillors who served from 1999 to 2022. This initiative is part of a broader effort to address inherited fiscal liabilities.

Governor Otti disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia on a Sunday. The payment of the arrears, which have accumulated over two decades, is scheduled to begin at the end of February 2024.

Otti explained that the issue was complex, involving multiple court cases and partial payments made under previous administrations. The current administration aims to harmonize claims and resolve disputes holistically.

The governor commended the association for withdrawing pending court cases related to unpaid salaries, describing this move as a step towards ensuring a transparent and orderly settlement process. The announcement comes amid ongoing fiscal reforms, with the state’s debt stock reportedly declining from N138 billion to N66 billion since Otti assumed office in May 2023.