Abia pensioners demand payment of outstanding benefits
August 12, 2026 1:49 am
Abia State pensioners have warned Governor Alex Otti that they will not forfeit their entitlements, urging him to fulfil his promises to pay their outstanding pension and gratuity arrears.
The pensioners, under the aegis of the Abia Pensioners Forum, spoke on Monday while addressing journalists in Umuahia over what they described as the state government’s continued failure to fulfil its promises to retirees.
Led by their coordinator, Okey Kanu, the pensioners accused Otti of reneging on an agreement to liquidate their outstanding pension and gratuity arrears.
They recalled the governor’s promises during his 2015, 2019 and 2023 election campaigns, saying his response to a pensioner who asked about the payment of gratuity by the end of July 2026, as promised, had left them disappointed.
The forum urged the government to immediately commence payment of the outstanding retirement benefits, even if it started with gratuity.
The pensioners also dismissed claims that the pension arrears inherited by the Otti administration had been cleared.
They said, “As of today, many pensioners have died without receiving these benefits. Those still alive need these payments to feed, buy drugs and attend to other basic needs and health challenges.
“Others need these payments to start or complete their projects, especially their retirement homes.”
The pensioners expressed concern that former local government chairmen and councillors who served for only two years under previous administrations had allegedly been paid their entitlements by the present administration.
They described the situation as unjust, arguing that retirees who served for 35 years or retired after attaining 60 years should not be treated with “levity, disdain and ignominy.”
The forum urged Otti to fulfil his campaign promises to Abia pensioners and residents, saying retirees deserved to benefit from the state government’s development projects while they were still alive.
The pensioners also appealed to the government to ensure that the issue of pension and gratuity arrears was not exploited for political purposes.
Sunday Nwakanma is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 25 years of professional experience in reporting. He is based in Abia State and has worked across local, regional, and national newspapers, covering a wide range of public affairs issues. Sunday’s work reflects extensive newsroom experience, multiple professional recognitions, and a strong commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.
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