Otti Announces Plan to Settle 22-Year Salary Arrears for Former Abia Councillors

Governor Alex Otti has announced that his administration will begin settling outstanding salary arrears owed to former local government councillors who served in Abia State between 1999 and 2022.

Speaking at a meeting with the Association of Former Elected Councillors on Sunday, Otti said the arrears, accumulated under previous administrations, would be paid in batches starting before the end of the month.

The governor acknowledged that he was initially unaware of the scope of the arrears and ongoing court cases related to unpaid salaries. He emphasized that his government is committed to resolving inherited challenges, asserting that leadership involves both stewardship and problem-solving.

“Every worker, whether a civil servant, pensioner, or former councillor, deserves fair treatment and payment,” Otti said. “Our administration stands for justice and will uphold what is right.”

Otti praised the association for withdrawing its court cases, noting that harmonizing outstanding matters would help restore confidence among former councillors. He assured all members that political affiliation would not affect the handling of their payments.

The governor also instructed Chief Ginger Onwusibe, representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Uzo Nwachukwu, to formalize the association’s structure.

In separate remarks, Onwusibe and Deputy Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr Austin Meregini, commended Otti’s inclusive approach and encouraged councillors to support his administration at the local level.

Senator Darlington Nwokocha, National Secretary of the Labour Party, praised the state government’s intervention and invited councillors to join the party, describing it as a platform committed to justice under Otti’s leadership.

Chief Tony Agbayim, Coordinator of the former councillors’ association, expressed gratitude for the government’s plans, calling the move redemptive. He recalled that previous administrations neglected the welfare of councillors, causing hardship and even deaths among members. Agbayim also praised the administration for timely salary and pension payments and for transforming Umuahia into a more developed state capital.

The association has endorsed Governor Otti as their preferred candidate for future political aspirations.