FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, reaffirmed his administration’s willingness to revisit and resolve the lingering issues affecting the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), following an appeal by the national leadership of the Union.
Receiving the National President of NUP, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, and his delegation at Government House, Umuahia, Governor Otti acknowledged the Union’s plea for forgiveness and a fresh start, stating that his government remains committed to finding a just and lasting solution to the pension crisis.
“I’m happy that the national executives of the NUP are here today. My response is that we will look at it. Like you rightly said, some of these arrears date back over 10 years. We are not culpable, but we are determined to manage and resolve the issue,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor directed his Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters, Comrade Godson Anucha, to lead a negotiation committee comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; Chief of Staff, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma; and Special Assistant on Special Duties, Dr. Betty Emeka-Obasi, to re-engage the state leadership of the NUP.
He also recounted how the state NUP leadership misrepresented an earlier effort by his administration to dialogue with them. “I personally invited them for a discussion after I assumed office. It wasn’t them who called me. We held a meeting, and I even set up a committee. Unfortunately, the story was twisted,” Otti lamented.
Addressing the root of the matter, Governor Otti disclosed that his government had secured ₦10 billion to offset pension arrears. Beneficiaries owed ₦1 million and below received full payments, while others received up to 60% of their outstanding entitlements. “Everybody was happy,” he noted, “but it is regrettable how misinformation caused unnecessary friction.”
He emphasized the importance of truth and accountability in governance, asserting, “Ask Abia people – one thing this government does not do is tell lies. We are people with integrity.”
In his remarks, NUP National President, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, praised Governor Otti’s leadership style and his achievements across the state, describing him as a “star performer.” He appealed to the Governor to tear the controversial document signed by the state NUP leaders, stating they acted in ignorance.
“I am here to plead with you, Your Excellency, to forgive them. They didn’t know what they were doing. Whatever was signed, it was done without proper understanding,” Mazi Abumisi said. “We are not here to argue. We have seen your developmental strides and your efforts to pay salaries, pensions, and gratuities. You are doing well.”
The meeting was attended by senior government officials, reinforcing the administration’s openness to dialogue and resolution.
Signed
Abiakam Gloria Ify
HOC, FIC Umuahia Abia State.
23-07-2025.
