Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has pledged to pay the entitlements of over 4,000 workers disengaged by the administration of former Governor Theodore Orji in 2011 and 2012.
Governor Otti was emphatic that the sacked workers would not be recalled into the civil service owing to the number of years that had elapsed since they left service, but would instead be paid their outstanding entitlements.
The governor said many of those affected had become too old to return to work, making the payment of their benefits the most appropriate course of action.
Otti made this known in Aba while responding to an appeal by members of the Imo community (Ndi Imo) in Abia during a civic reception in honour of the governor and his wife, Priscilla Otti.
The governor said the directive to settle the affected workers had already been issued and was not limited to any particular group.
“I have also listened to a plea about recalling those who were disengaged a long time ago, about 2011-2012. I thought I had given that directive when Anambra people received me.
“It was not just Anambra people, it was for everyone. The reality is that some of those people who were disengaged 15, 16, 17 years ago have become so old that they can no longer go back to their work.
“So what we said was that we will calculate their entitlements and pay them. Anambra people received the entitlement. Maybe you need to show up for verification and you will be paid. Let me also make it very clear, and all of you know that in Abia State there is no state of origin.”
Otti assured that his administration would continue to implement policies that benefit all residents, irrespective of their state of origin.
“This is just the beginning. We are here just for three years. And by the grace of God, in the next five years, you will see what will happen. Like the Americans will say, you ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Otti promised that his administration would continue to implement policies that would benefit the people of the state and visitors.
Imo indigenes resident in Abia State had earlier endorsed Otti for a second term in office and pledged their support for his re-election.
(The Sun)