Abia retired permanent secretaries urge Otti to pay outstanding gratuities

Retired permanent secretaries in Abia State have appealed to Governor Alex Otti to promptly release their outstanding gratuities and retirement benefits. The Forum of Permanent Secretaries, compulsorily retired in October 2023, voiced concerns over the current administration's handling of their matter.

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The continued silence of the government on the payment of accumulated gratuities to retirees after a series of promises is becoming most worrisome.

In a statement issued in Umuahia, the group acknowledged the government's "giant strides" in infrastructure development but stressed that similar commitment should extend to retired civil servants. "The continued silence of the government on the payment of accumulated gratuities to retirees after a series of promises is becoming most worrisome," the forum stated.

The retirees recalled Governor Otti's May Day address, where he indicated that gratuity payments would commence. They urged the governor to direct the Accountant General to begin immediate payments, emphasizing that their survival depends on these funds for basic needs like food, school fees, and medical expenses.

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We want to remind Governor Alex Otti of his promise to us before our abrupt retirement of paying all our retirement entitlements, and urge his administration to kick off payment of gratuities with us.

The forum called on the governor to address the issue before the election campaign period begins, offering relief to them and other affected retirees.

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We are therefore urging him to direct the Accountant General to begin immediate payment.