Steve Unegbu, Umuahia
Dr Alex Otti has announced that in the few days that the payment of May 2023 salaries and pensions of all civil servants and retires in the state shall commence,added that there shall be no more distinction between the so -called “core” and “non -core” civil servants in Abia State.
The New Abia State Governor who made this known during his speech shortly after being sworn in as the Executive Governor of the State held in Umuahia Township stadium, urged Abians to “Weep No More,Help is Here”
According to him,”Wether you are a teacher in a primary or secondary institution owned by the State,a staff of the Public health establishments, local government or work in the judiciary, you shall beginning from this May,earn your legitimate entitlements as and when due .
“From June 2023,all salary and pension obligations of the State would be settled by the 28th of every month”
He revealed that,” We have a treasury that has been criminally ravaged to the extent that we have an alleged N50 billion in unpaid salaries, gratuities and pensions” added that,” Our local and foreign debt overhang is reported to be in the region of N200 billion,in addition to other debts to contractors”
Continuing,he pointed out that his task is to dry the tears of Abians and help them to rediscover who they are and lead them back to the pathway of sustainable growth, development and prosperity.
He noted that this is the time to rebuild Abia as well as turn the electoral victory into an instrument for improved fortunes of all well -meaning people.
He further pledged to lead Abia State to quickly position the State as the alternative production and service hub for both the West and Asia, said,” we have the raw materials,the fertile lands and more importantly the energetic, creative and trainable manpower to dominate important sectors of the global economy, Textiles, leatherworks information technology, entertainment and agriculture are just some of the areas where we can easily make great strides”
He expressed appreciation to the Labour party presidential candidate,Mr Peter Obi,the INEC officers who insisted on doing the right thing,all Obidents and Ndi Abia for their overwhelming mandate,faith and trust in him and his ability to be their chief servant.
He pledged that he would lead that change to restore the society to greatness and rebuild Abia State in general.
Some of the dignitaries present during the swearing in ceremony include, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe, Labour party vice presidential candidate Dr Ahmed Datti, National chairman Labour party, Abure ,His Excellency Rotimi Amaechi, former CBN Governor Sanusi , Senator T A Orji, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe ,Senator Adighiji , Senator Darlyton Nwokocha, Abia State Speaker Engr Chinedum Orji, Imo state Labour party Governorship Candidate, Senator Attan Achalonu among others.
