Governor Alex Otti has begun the payment of N17.6 billion in salary arrears owed to Abia tertiary institution staff, disbursing N1.5 billion monthly over 12 months, fulfilling his promise despite criticism from those responsible for the debt.
There was widespread joy in Abia State tertiary institutions as staff began receiving bank alerts for the payment of their accumulated salary arrears, totaling N17.6 billion.
In a viral video, staff from Abia Polytechnic Aba were seen celebrating and praising Governor Alex Otti for fulfilling his promise to clear the arrears in monthly installments of N1.5 billion.
Abia State’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, confirmed in a statement that the state government has begun monthly payments of N1.5 billion, which will continue over 12 months until the entire debt is settled.
The statement read, in part: “In line with Governor Alex Chioma Otti’s promise to settle the salary arrears owed to workers by previous administrations, the Accountant General’s office has started disbursing arrears amounting to N17,629,767,342.09 to verified workers. Payments will follow a 12-month amortization plan, with the first batch already disbursed.”
The structured payment plan is designed to ensure that other areas of governance remain unaffected by limited financial resources.
Governor Otti’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of Abia State civil servants.
In a separate statement, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, expressed regret that those responsible for the debt are now criticizing the governor instead of commending him for resolving the issue. He remarked, “Ironically, those who looted and mismanaged state workers’ salaries are now criticizing the Governor, who is working to clean up their mess.”
Ukoha added that Governor Otti is more fulfilled by the jubilation of Abia workers than by the criticism from those responsible for the debt.
READ ALSO: Governor Otti Awards Scholarships to 46 Underprivileged Abia Students
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