Abia set to clear pension arrears by December

Okey Kanu, Abia commissioner for information and culture, has expressed the government’s commitment to clear all pension arrears in the state before the end of the year.

Kanu said this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the state executive council meeting, which held at the government house, Umuahia.

He said Alex Otti, the governor, had promised to improve the welfare of pensioners during the electioneering campaigns.

“Let me reiterate government’s position to pay off all outstanding pensions once the verification exercise is done,” he said.

“It is a promise that was made during the campaigns and since this government came on board, it is a promise that will be kept.

“Before the end of the year, all outstanding pensions will be paid as soon as the verification exercise is concluded.”

He also expressed his delight with the efficient manner in which the verification exercise is being conducted.

He said the verification team visited elderly pensioners who could not travel, in their homes, while those who were unable to attend in-person were guided on how to utilise the sub-treasury.

Kanu added that those residing far from the verification centres were provided with online codes.

He added that pensioners in the state were delighted with the unprecedented care shown during the process and that the exercise had garnered widespread commendation throughout the state for its exceptional execution.

Kanu also expressed optimism that the smooth take-off of the verification exercise would lead to its timely completion by next week.