Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the state’s pension issues through honest dialogue and inclusive decision-making.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during a visit by the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
Otti said resolving the pension issues requires collaboration, deep reflection, and goodwill from all parties involved. He clarified that the backlog of pensions predates his administration but expressed his willingness to manage the situation.
He added, The exact figure of the backlog of pensions had remained uncleared as pension obligations kept growing with ongoing retirements.
However, he affirmed there was a political will to solve the problem and expressed confidence in finding a workable solution.
The governor recalled inviting state NUP leaders to his office upon assuming office to begin talks on the pension crisis. He also mentioned securing ₦10 billion to offset part of the pension arrears based on amounts owed. According to him, pensioners owed ₦1 million or less were paid in full, while larger amounts received partial payments.
Otti noted, however, that in spite of the intervention, the state NUP leaders misrepresented the facts and frustrated genuine efforts at reconciliation.
Earlier, the National President of NUP, Mr. Godwin Abumisi, appealed to the governor to forgive the state chapter of the union and reopen discussions. He said,
“Whatever document they signed with the state government concerning their gratuity was signed in ignorance.
“I am here to plead with you to discard that document. After they signed it, they reported to me in Abuja, and I said it was not done.
“We are not here today to argue whether they did it or not. Your Excellency, I plead that you forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.”
Abumisi also commended Governor Otti for prioritising salaries, pensions, and infrastructure, describing him as a “star performer”.
Following the meeting, Governor Otti immediately set up a negotiating team to revisit the state pension challenges. The committee will be led by his special assistant on labour matters, Mr. Godson Anucha, and includes the secretary to the state government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; chief of Staff Dr. Caleb Ajagba; special adviser on media and publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and special assistant on special duties, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi.
