Abia to borrow $125 million from Islamic dev bank – Gov Otti

Otti explained that although he had plans to go for loan, the state under his watch had not obtained any loan so far contrary to blackmail by his detractors.

“Yes, there are plans to secure loan and they are at maturity stage”, he said.

He urged members of the public to disregard blackmails being peddled against his administration by popularity seekers, and those still nursing the wound of election losses.

On the backlog of pension arrears and workers’ salary arrears which accumulated during past administrations, Otti, restated commitment to wipe out the arrears once and for all.

Apparently referring to the loan approvals, Otti said, “We will soon resolve the lingering pension issues by the end of this month. We have secured approvals, and very soon the pensioners will hear from us”.

During his inaugural address, the Governor pledged to clear pension and salary arrears for workers by the end of December 2023. However, he later postponed this deadline following the completion of biometric data verification for both workers and pensioners.

He emphasized the need for thorough preparation due to the substantial amount of funds involved.

Addressing concerns about some workers not receiving payment, the Governor stated that he had arranged a meeting with the state’s Accountant General and all relevant personnel involved in salary disbursement to address any omissions.

Otti revealed that Abia has approximately 66,000 employees following the verification process. He clarified that the majority now receive their salaries on the 28th of each month. He acknowledged that only around five percent of workers were affected by these omissions but assured that measures were being taken to resolve the issue.

” The money is sitting in the bank, and whatever is the problem will be resolved because I will sit with those involved so we can have it sorted out”, the Governor assured.

Regarding the wage award, Governor Otti stated that he awaits the committee’s report dedicated to this matter. He assured that upon receiving the report, he will promptly announce the decision. Nevertheless, he cautioned that while the government endeavors to improve worker welfare, employees must reciprocate with a strong commitment to their duties.

The Governor clarified that the policy mandating workers to clock in and out serves to monitor their attendance and dedication. He emphasized that any worker falling below 70% attendance does not merit payment for the month.

Otti appealed to residents, particularly those in Aba, to refrain from obstructing water channels with refuse to prevent flooding. He expressed confidence that with the ongoing efforts of his administration to clear blocked water drainages, the city of Aba will not experience severe flooding as before. He disclosed directives for the immediate clearance of refuse blocking water channels around Ariaria International Market and ongoing initiatives to channel floodwaters into Aba River.

However, Otti urged residents to adhere to sanitation laws to maintain cleanliness in the state, cautioning that enforcement would commence soon.

In response to reports of termites damaging books in the state library, Otti expressed concern about declining youth reading habits. He pledged to digitize the state library and revive the reading culture among the populace.

The Governor outlined robust plans for extensive farming to address food insecurity in the state. He also announced the imminent arrival of a grain consignment from the Federal Government, assuring equitable distribution of palliatives to deserving residents.