You’re prioritizing politicians, ignoring senior citizens – Abia pensioners knock Gov Otti

The Abia Pensioners Forum has lambasted the Abia state government for neglecting their concerns while settling allowances and benefits owed to former councillors and local government chairmen. At a press conference in Umuahia, the forum's coordinator, Okey Kanu, voiced the grievances of senior citizens, noting that pensioners who served the state for three decades or until the age of 60 have yet to receive their pension arrears and inherited gratuities from past administrations.

Kanu reminded Governor Otti of his pre-2023 election pledges to Abia pensioners, pointing out that some have fallen ill or passed away without receiving their due payments under his rule. "Those still alive need this payment to sustain themselves, purchase medication, and manage health issues," Kanu emphasized. Unbeknownst to Otti, former local government chairmen and councillors who served a mere two years under previous governments have been paid their due entitlements by his administration.

Kanu, a legal expert, lamented that the Otti government's treatment of pensioners who retired after serving 35 years or reaching 60 years is unjust, highlighting the disparity between the two groups. He refused to accept reports that the pension and gratuity arrears from the previous administration have been cleared. The Abia Pensioners Forum has pledged to stand firm, refusing to abandon their deserved entitlements to the Abia State Government.