The Abia State Government has announced plans to settle outstanding salary arrears owed to former local government councillors who served between 1999 and 2022.
Governor Alex Otti made the disclosure on Sunday during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia.
Otti said payment of the arrears, accumulated under previous administrations, would commence before the end of the month and would be made in batches.
He explained that when the issue was first brought to his attention, he was unaware of the complexities involved, including pending court cases.
The governor stated that his administration was committed to addressing and resolving inherited challenges, stressing that leadership is about stewardship and problem-solving.
“All government workers, whether core or non-core civil servants, including pensioners, deserve equal treatment and payment. Every labourer deserves his wages,” he said, adding that his administration stands for justice and fairness.
Otti commended the association for withdrawing its court cases over the unpaid salaries, noting that harmonising all legal matters was necessary to ensure a smooth resolution.
“When we looked at everything, we found that there was need to do a little bit more work. Some people were in court, some had been paid based on court orders. I said let’s harmonise everything.
“I want to thank all of you because I’m told there is no matter in court anymore. That builds confidence. By the end of this month, we will start the payment,” he assured.
The governor, who noted that some of the former councillors are his long-standing associates, pledged equal treatment for all, regardless of political affiliation.
He directed the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Uzo Nwachukwu, to formalise the association’s structure.
In separate remarks, Onwusibe and the Deputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr. Austin Meregini, commended the governor’s inclusive approach and urged the councillors to mobilise support for the administration.
Also speaking, the National Secretary of the Labour Party, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, praised the government for addressing the issue and encouraged the councillors to join the party.
Earlier, the association’s coordinator, Chief Tony Agbayim, thanked the government for concluding plans to offset the arrears, describing the move as redemptive.
He lamented that previous administrations had neglected their welfare, leading to hardship and the death of some members, but commended the present government for prompt salary and pension payments and ongoing development efforts in the state.
Agbayim added that the councillors had endorsed Otti as their sole candidate for future political aspirations.