Abia Pensioners Demand Payment of Outstanding Benefits

Abia State pensioners, represented by the Abia Pensioners Forum and led by coordinator Okey Kanu, have issued a warning to Governor Alex Otti regarding their outstanding pension and gratuity arrears. During a press conference in Umuahia on Monday, they expressed dissatisfaction with the state government's failure to honor its commitments to retirees.

The pensioners recalled Otti's promises made during his election campaigns in 2015, 2019, and 2023, particularly regarding the payment of gratuities by July 2026. They emphasized the urgency of their situation, noting that many pensioners have died without receiving their benefits, which are essential for their basic needs.

The forum criticized the government for allegedly prioritizing payments to former local government officials over long-serving retirees, calling this treatment unjust. They urged Otti to fulfill his campaign promises and ensure that pensioners benefit from state development projects while they are still alive, warning against the exploitation of their plight for political gain.