Gov Otti Moves to Clear Salary Arrears Owed Former Councillors

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to commence payment of salary arrears owed to former elected councillors who served between 1999 and 2022, assuring that the process will begin before the end of February.

The Governor gave the assurance during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors at the JAAC Secretariat, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. He explained that the payments would be made in batches once administrative processes are concluded.

“I’m told that everything should be set by the end of this month. So what that means is that by the end of this month, we will start the payment,” the Governor stated.

Move Driven by Justice, Not Politics

Governor Otti emphasized that the decision to clear the outstanding arrears is rooted in fairness and justice, not political considerations.

According to him, every labourer deserves his wages, and leadership is a call to stewardship rather than self-glorification. He assured the former councillors that party affiliation would not influence the payment process.

“The reason why we are doing this is not politics. Whether you are a member of my party or you are not, you will be treated fairly,” he assured.

The Governor commended the Association for withdrawing pending court cases against the State Government over the arrears, describing the gesture as a demonstration of goodwill and trust in his administration.

He further directed the member representing Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, to work with the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu, to formalize the Association as a recognized structure.

Former Councillors React

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Association, Chief Tony Agbayim, expressed gratitude to the Governor for concluding arrangements to offset the long-standing salary arrears.

The Association described the development as unprecedented, lamenting that previous administrations had neglected their welfare, leading to severe hardship among members and, in some cases, the death of colleagues.

They commended Governor Otti for prioritizing workers’ welfare through prompt salary and pension payments, as well as ongoing infrastructural improvements in Umuahia, which they said have restored pride and dignity to Abians.

In his remarks, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, appreciated the Governor for convening the meeting and responding to the councillors’ concerns. He urged members to identify with the party, describing it as one guided by conscience and dignity.

Also speaking, Chief Ginger Onwusibe and the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Augustine Okezie, thanked the Governor for placing the welfare of the former councillors above partisan interests and encouraged them to support the administration in their respective wards.

Endorsement

The meeting concluded with the former elected councillors endorsing Governor Alex Otti as their sole candidate for his future political aspirations, citing his commitment to justice, fairness, and workers’ welfare.