Governor Alex Otti has pledged that his administration will clear the outstanding salary arrears owed to former Local Government Councillors who served in Abia State from 1999 to 2022.
He announced that the payments—accumulated under previous governments—will begin before the end of the month and will be processed in installments.
Governor Otti made these commitments during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia on Sunday. He explained that when the issue was first brought to his attention, he was unaware of the complexities involved, including ongoing legal cases. Nevertheless, he emphasized his determination to address and resolve all inherited challenges, stating that leadership requires stewardship and the ability to solve problems.
He stressed that elected officials are entrusted to confront existing difficulties and fulfill their responsibilities. According to Otti, all government workers—including both core and non-core civil servants, as well as pensioners—deserve equal treatment and timely payment. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice, insisting that every worker deserves their wages and that fairness would guide all actions taken.
The governor commended the association for withdrawing its court case related to the unpaid salaries. He noted that after a comprehensive review, it became clear that further work was needed, as some councillors had pursued legal action and others had received payments based on court orders. Otti directed that all pending court matters be harmonized, expressing gratitude to the association for withdrawing all legal actions, which, he said, fostered greater confidence and facilitated reconciliation.
Governor Otti assured that payments would commence by the end of the month and emphasized that all former councillors would be treated equally, regardless of political affiliation. He also instructed Chief Ginger Onwusibe, the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, and Mr. Uzo Nwachukwu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to formalize the structure of the association.
In their remarks, Chief Onwusibe and Mr. Austin Meregini, Deputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, praised the governor’s inclusive approach and urged the councillors to support the Otti administration across their wards. The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, also commended the state government for addressing the councillors’ concerns and encouraged them to join the Labour Party, describing it as a party rooted in conscience, dignity, and justice.
Earlier, the association’s coordinator, Chief Tony Agbayim, expressed gratitude to the government for making plans to settle the arrears, describing the step as redemptive. He lamented the neglect experienced under past administrations, which led to hardship and the loss of some members. Agbayim also praised the current government for prompt payment of salaries and pensions and for transforming Umuahia into a befitting state capital. He concluded by saying that Governor Otti had restored Abia’s pride and dignity and announced the councillors’ endorsement of Otti as their sole candidate for future ambitions.
