|
Listen to article
|
Permanent Secretaries in Abia State who retired from service in 2023 have made an urgent appeal to Governor Alex Otti for the disbursement of their severance packages and other benefits, including gratuities that are owed to them.
Speaking at a press conference in Umuahia, the retired officials expressed their urgent need for assistance, highlighting how the unpaid severance packages have placed immense economic pressure on them, complicating their transition into retirement.
Mr. Nkwachukwu Agumuo, the spokesperson for the group, expressed his belief that the state government should have acted swiftly to resolve their severance payments, given the abrupt and unforeseen nature of their termination from service.
He stressed that it is vital for the government to facilitate the provision of funds, which are essential for them to reestablish their lives and adequately care for their families in the aftermath of their abrupt departure from service.
While commending Governor Otti for his commitment to developmental initiatives in the state, the retirees earnestly sought his intervention to help alleviate their ongoing financial struggles.
Read also: PDP Denies Rumours Of Boycotting Council Elections In Kaduna
They noted that they had made several attempts to draw the attention of the state government to their situation, including visits to the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Commissioner for Justice.
“It has become urgent and pressing to highlight our plight since October 2023, when our service in the state civil service was abruptly cut short.
“Since then, we have yet to receive our entitlements, including severance allowances, furniture allowances, and gratuities.
“The silence from those responsible for addressing our issue leaves much to be desired and has left us in dire straits, both financially and emotionally,” Agumuo said.
Agumuo emphasized that the retirees had dedicated decades of service to the state for the public good, highlighting the suffering endured by their families due to the delayed payments.
