Abia pensioners plan congratulatory march as Otti pays pensions, arrears

Pensioners in Abia have concluded plans to take to the streets to thank the state governor, Alex Otti as he, Thursday, started the payment of pensions and pension arrears accumulated by former administrations in Abia state.

Confirming the payments, the excited Coordinator, Concerned Abia Pensioners, CAP Chief Emeka Okezie, said “Otti started payment of the pension yesterday, Wednesday and today, Thursday, started paying the pension arrears”.

According to him, “I have received my own and many others have. Some were paid N1.3m, some N1.7m, some N1.8m and some, more”.

He however noted, “Although we were paid half monthly pensions this month, this is the last. From next month, April, it will be full monthly pensions payment”.

As a result, therefore, Chief Okezie informed that the pensioners in Abia State have concluded plans to show their appreciation to the governor and would soon embark on a solidarity match to thank him.

Recall that Gov. Otti had during his inaugural speech assured that he would offset the pension arrears and last Monday, he affirmed that promise.

Earlier on Thursday during the 2024 Chrism Mass at Christ The King Catholic Church (CKC), Aba, had declared that pensioners, who were owed several months’ arrears of pensions by previous administrations, can now heave a sigh of relief as they will, effective today, March 28, 2024, begin to receive arrears of their pensions.

The Governor noted that he was committed to fulfilling his campaign promises and delivering democracy dividends to the people, and used the opportunity to confirm to pensioners in the state that their long-awaited pensions would be disbursed before the close of business on Thursday.

“Some of you (Pensioners) have been owed since 2014. At the end of today (Thursday, March 28, 2024), all of you will smile. Check your accounts at the end of business today,” Otti said.