The Coordinator, Okey Kanu and other pensioners while briefing journalists in Umuahia on Monday.

Pensioners in Abia State on Monday warned Governor Alex Otti to fulfil his campaign promises to them, insisting that they would not forfeit their entitlements from the state government.

Under the aegis of the Abia Pensioners Forum, the pensioners issued the warning while addressing journalists in Umuahia on Monday, criticising the state government over “the continued plight of pensioners in Abia State and the continued refusal by the State Government to fulfil her several promises in this regard.”

Led by their Coordinator, Okey Kanu, the pensioners accused Otti of reneging on an agreement with them to liquidate their pension and gratuity arrears.

They recalled Otti’s promises during his electioneering campaigns in 2015, 2019 and 2023, stating that the governor’s response to a question from a pensioner on the expectation that gratuity would be paid on or before the end of July 2026, as promised, had left them hopeless.

They therefore pleaded, “We therefore urge Government to, as a matter of urgency, start immediate payment of these retirement benefits, even if she wants to start with gratuity,” and dismissed reports that the pension arrears inherited by the Otti administration had been cleared.

“As at today, many pensioners have died without receiving these benefits. Those still alive need this payment to feed, buy drugs and attend to other subsistence needs and health challenges. Others need these payments to start or complete their projects, especially their retirement homes.

“Ironically, since last year, former Local Government Chairmen and Councillors who served only two years under previous administrations have been paid their entitlements by the present administration. What an injustice that pensioners who retired after 35 years of service or on attaining 60 years of age are treated with levity, disdain and ignominy.”

They further urged the governor “to fulfil his campaign promises to Abia pensioners in particular, and Abians in general. It is he who is alive that can appreciate and enjoy the good infrastructures the Governor is putting in place.”

They also appealed to the government to ensure that issues surrounding their pension and gratuity arrears were not exploited by anyone for political ends.