Abia Retired Secretaries Urge Otti to Pay Gratuities

The Forum of Permanent Secretaries, who were compulsorily retired from the Abia State Civil Service on October 31, 2023, has formally appealed to Governor Alex Otti to approve the payment of their outstanding gratuities and retirement entitlements. This appeal was made in a communiqué issued on Monday in Umuahia, following their meeting in July 2026.

The forum, represented by Agomoh Nkwachukwu, expressed concern over the government's handling of their situation, despite acknowledging the administration's achievements in infrastructure development. They noted that while the government has made significant progress in the state's economy, similar attention should be given to retired civil servants reliant on pensions and gratuities.

The retirees reminded Governor Otti of his promise made during his Workers’ Day address on May 1, 2025, to commence payment of gratuities. They urged him to direct the Accountant General to initiate immediate payments, citing current economic hardships affecting their ability to meet basic needs.