The delay in salary and pension arrears that the governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, promised are the product of false figures and numbers that cannot be verified.
Otti stated on Saturday that confirmed salaries and pension arrears would be paid at the end of this month while speaking at the special thanksgiving service of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, at the Nkwoegwu Central School, in Umuahia North LGA. Otti pleaded with the people to have patience.
Otti added that his full cabinet would be formed by the end of the month and that doing so would allow the government to function properly. He also added that the recent inauguration of the State House of Assembly would help the government function effectively.The governor took use of the occasion to emphasize how significant the debt left by the previous government was and made a commitment to pay it off while promising not to waste time on side issues or making excuses.
He bemoaned the fact that Umuahia, the capital of Abia, resembles a glorified village and stated that his administration will start the process of improving the city’s beauty within the next three months. He asked for everyone’s cooperation in this endeavor.
The Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Ibeabuchi earlier urged the celebrant that “it is not yet time to rejoice, but time to humble ourselves before God and ask for His grace” during the church service at St. Michael’s Anglican Church, Okaiuga Nkwoegwu.
He claimed that “Abia State’s politics have just shifted. You would not be who you are now if the Lord were not on your side.
“The trip is not straightforward. Because of the way the system is set up, no matter what you do appears to be ineffective. Our leaders used to make decisions without carefully considering the circumstances. To make something function, this must exist on the ground.
“There must be something on the ground (to cushion it) if we must support fuel subsidies.”
“The problem of Ikwuano/Umuahia Constituency is going to be on your head and everyone will be inviting you for every occasion,” he continued to counsel Aguocha. Be obedient to God because you require church members’ prayers.
“Your responsibilities as a past President General (of Ohuhu) cannot be equated to that of your current position. To avoid the EFCC, put money aside and do the jobs you have been given.
“Start now to construct a God-centered structure that you will use during your second term.”
The host and representative for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha, earlier than that in his remarks, thanked God for the chance to be elected to represent his people and the success of the inauguration while promising not to let them down.