Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has assured that his initial commitment to resolve the pension arrears for Abia retirees before the end of December ” still stands”.
During his inaugural address, Otti pledged to eliminate pension arrears by December, consistently reaffirming this commitment on various occasions.
The Governor who gave the assurance during a media parley on Friday night, told pensioners in the state to take him by his words, saying that the promise is a bond.
“My promise to clear, pension arrears by the end of this month still stands. Whatever it takes, we want to take it down so that by 2024 we start on a clean slate “, Otti assured.
Otti who explained that his emergence as Governor was to alleviate the burden of the people also promised that his administration would give adequate attention to the welfare of workers.
He conveyed ongoing efforts to engage key stakeholders in addressing the challenges faced by workers amid the prevailing economic hardships triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies.
”An announcement will be made in the weeks ahead in this regard “, the Governor added.
In response to allegations by some members of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that he abandoned the multi-billion New Government House in favor of operating from his private residence, Governor Otti dismissed the claims as an attempt to undermine his accomplishments, attributing it to political intimidation and blackmail.
He clarified that the decision to work from his private residence was driven by the uninhabitable condition of both the Old and New Government Houses, aiming to save costs for the state.
Regarding the appointment of individuals with affluence as mayors for local government areas, Otti explained that it was intended to stimulate healthy competition among the councils for development.
He reassured that the Ukwa West Industrial Park recently initiated by his administration would not face the fate of the previously discussed Enyimba Economic City, which, despite being heavily promoted by his predecessor, never materialized.
The Governor disclosed that a Chinese investor and a local investor have already expressed willingness to invest 6 million US dollars in a modular refinery within the industrial park.
He expressed his deliberate efforts in establishing a conducive business environment in Abia, benefiting both foreign investors and Abians contemplating a return home amid the demolition of shops in various parts of the country.