A group of 42 retired Abia State Civil Service directors has called on Governor Alex Otti to intervene in their prolonged struggle with unpaid pensions and gratuities, which have been pending for over a year.
The former civil servants, who dedicated many years of service to the state, have expressed dissatisfaction over their unpaid entitlements, including pensions and other retirement benefits.
In a signed letter to Governor Otti, the directors expressed their distress over the situation, urging him to take action and ensure the payment of their pensions and gratuities to alleviate their hardship.
In the letter, they also criticized their retirement, which was enforced on October 1 of last year, calling it premature and mandatory.
They stressed that, despite their years of service, they are now left in a vulnerable position, struggling to meet basic needs. Many of them have called on Governor Otti to prioritize the settlement of their outstanding benefits, emphasizing that these payments are essential for their well-being and dignity.
“It followed the government’s adoption and implementation of the Federal Government (FGN) Circular No. HAS/S. 0074/11/91 of 1st August 2011.” the letter stated.
They wrote, “Re: Non-payment of Earned Severance Entitlements,” it argued that the circular is meant for directors on GL. 17 at the Federal Civil Service, but no other state had implemented it.
“It is sad to note, Sir, that since then, you have yet to make good your promise to pay us our statutory retirement entitlements, such as severance allowances, pensions, and gratuities.
“Some are owed arrears of January, February, and March, while others, particularly those from the parastatals, are yet to receive theirs long after completing the retirement processes.”
They urged Governor Otti to act swiftly in addressing these grievances, as they believe the timely payment of their entitlements would go a long way in alleviating their suffering.
Speaking on their behalf, their spokesman, M.C. Iheke, urged Governor Otti to "direct the immediate payment of our three months' salaries in lieu of notice and gratuities."
Iheke also called for the payment of pensions to directors from the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State and other retired directors who have not received their pensions since leaving service.
He emphasized the need for timely settlement to alleviate their financial challenges.
