Gov Otti Orders Verification, Payment of Entitlements to Disengaged Non-Indigenous Workers in Abia

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has directed workers who were disengaged from the state’s public service by previous administrations on the grounds that they were not indigenes of the state to present themselves for verification to enable them receive their full outstanding entitlements.

Governor Otti gave the directive while addressing members of Ndi Imo in Abia during a civic reception organised in his honour at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba. He assured those affected that they would receive their full entitlements regardless of their state of origin.

The governor said his administration had earlier considered appeals for the reinstatement of workers disengaged between 2011 and 2012, explaining that many of those affected had become too old to return to active service.
He, therefore, directed that their outstanding entitlements be computed and paid after they undergo the necessary verification process.

Governor Otti thanked the leadership of Ndi Imo in Abia for organising the civic reception, describing it as a great honour and a demonstration of support and encouragement for his administration.

He stated that the relationship between Abia and Imo States transcends political boundaries, stressing that residents of Imo extraction living in Abia enjoy the same rights and privileges as Abia indigenes. He added that his administration would continue to promote unity, inclusiveness and peaceful coexistence across ethnic divides.

Also speaking, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Chief Jerry Opara, commended Governor Otti’s performance in office. He noted that the large turnout at the reception reflected the people’s confidence in his administration.

Senator Uzodinma also praised the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti, for her support for her husband. He urged Governor Otti to sustain his people-oriented policies and assured him of the continued support and peaceful disposition of Imo indigenes resident in Abia State.

In his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Chibuike Achigbu, commended Governor Otti for what he described as the remarkable transformation of Abia State. He noted that the perennial flooding that once displaced residents in many parts of Aba had become a thing of the past, adding that Ndi Imo organised the reception to express their appreciation and affection for the governor.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the South-East Traditional Rulers Council and the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze E.C. Okeke, who was represented by Eze Fred Nwachukwu, described Governor Otti as one of Nigeria’s most outstanding-performing governors. He added that under Otti’s leadership, Abia has become an attractive destination for visitors and has witnessed remarkable development comparable to that of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The event attracted prominent Imo indigenes, members of the Aba business community, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, and top government officials.