‘We Are Starving’ – Abia Retired Civil Servants Appeal To Gov Otti For Severance Packages

Retired Permanent Secretaries of Abia State have appealed to Governor Alex Otti to disburse their severance packages and other entitlements, including gratuities.

Naija News reports that the former workers who retired from their positions in 2023 made the plea at a press conference held in Umuahia, the state capital, on Friday (today).

The retired officials articulated their challenging circumstances, indicating that the delay in receiving their severance payments has imposed considerable financial strain on them.

Representing the group, Nkwachukwu Agumuo contended that the state government should have addressed their severance payments in a timely manner, particularly given the abrupt nature of their departure from service.

He underscored the government’s need to allocate these funds to assist them in rebuilding their lives and supporting their families.

While recognizing Governor Otti’s efforts toward state development, the retirees earnestly sought his intervention to alleviate their financial difficulties.

They mentioned that they had made numerous attempts to bring their situation to the state government’s attention, including meetings with the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Commissioner for Justice.

Agumuo, reading from a prepared statement, described the miserable conditions faced by the affected Permanent Secretaries. “It has become urgent and pressing to highlight our plight since October 2023, when our service in the state civil service was abruptly cut short. Since then, we have yet to receive our entitlements, including severance allowances, furniture allowances, and gratuities.”

He revealed that 30 Permanent Secretaries are impacted by this policy and lamented that their numerous efforts to be heard have gone unanswered. “The silence from those responsible for addressing our issue leaves much to be desired and has left us in dire straits, both financially and emotionally.”

Agumuo further stressed that the retirees had dedicated decades of service to the state for the public good.

He stated, “Our sudden and unceremonious retirement has stripped us of our livelihoods, imposed a stigma on our careers, and left us grappling with uncertainties regarding our future.”

He highlighted the suffering endured by their families due to the delayed payments. “Many depend on the income provided by our positions for their basic necessities, such as healthcare, food, housing, and education. With only meagre monthly pensions, our dependents are forced to make difficult choices.”

The group called upon Governor Otti to take action regarding the matter, acknowledging his many achievements.

They respectfully asked him to instruct the Accountant General to accelerate the disbursement of their severance and furniture allowances, noting that they have been informed that prompt approval for these payments has already been secured.