Emelam Udo, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti of Abia state has reiterated his commitment to offset all pension arrears owed Pensioners in the state as soon as the ongoing verification exercise for pensioners is concluded.
Okey Kanu, the commissioner for Information and Culture, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Otti at Government House Umuahia.
Kanu recalled that Governor Otti had during the electioneering campaigns, Otti promised to clear all outstanding arrears owed Pensioners by the previous administration, assured that the present administration would do the needful before the end of the year.
“Let me reiterate government’s position to pay off all outstanding pensions once the verification exercise is concluded.
“It is a promise that was made during the campaigns and since this government came on board, it is a promise that will be kept.
“Before the end of the year, all outstanding pensions will be paid as soon as the verification excercise is concluded”.
The Abia Information boss commended the efficient manner the pensioners’ verification process was being conducted in the state and expressed optimism that the smooth progress of the exercise might lead to its conclusion by the next week.
He noted that the exercise had garnered widespread commendation throughout the state for its exceptional execution and added that pensioners are delighted with the unprecedented care shown them during the process.
He said that the verification team extended their services to the homes of elderly pensioners who could not travel adding that those who were unable to attend in person were guided to utilize the Sub-Treasury while those residing far from the verification centres were provided with online codes to access to the verification process.
Kanu further disclosed that Julius Berger had been mobilized to site by the state government in order to meet up with the stipulated 18 months timeline delivery of the Aba-Port Harcourt road Aba, adding that reconstruction work would soon commence on more roads in Aba including Kent by Ehi road, People’s road, Cemetery phase 2 as well as Omuma road.
According to him, other roads which would receive government attention include: Ozu Abam -Ndi Okereke- Arochukwu road, Umuahia -Uzuakoli -Ohafia -Arochukwu road while the desilting of various roads in the state is ongoing.
Also speaking, Ogbonnaya Okereke, the General Manager Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) disclosed that additional disposable buckets have been procured and distributed to Umuahia and Aba to further enhance the cleanliness of the state , adding that the Agency is working with the Abia state Orientation Agency to educate the people on the need to maintain improved hygiene.
He urged the people to dispose their waste properly as well as pay their levies to the agency.
On his part, the Commissioner for Sports, Nwaobilor Ananaba said that members of the newly reconstituted boards of Abia warriors, Enyimba and Abia Comets football clubs would be inaugurated tomorrow while plans are on to upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium pending the construction of a world class stadium in the state.
He disclosed that the ministry would soon commence sensitization tour to schools on the need for students to partake in sporting activities which would enable hunt for talents.
The commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzor Nwachukwu in his contribution said that no official list had been released as names of Transition Committee chairmen of the 17 LGAs in the state, adding however that the Governor has been consulting with stakeholders over the matter.
He disclosed that the government was committed to bringing unparalleled development to the Local government Areas and as such was determined to ensure that all money accruing to the the councils for development get to them once the TC chairmen come on board.
