Abia State Permanent Secretaries, who retired from service in 2023, have appealed to Governor Alex Otti to pay their severance packages and other entitlements, including gratuities.
The retired officials, during a press conference in Umuahia, expressed their dire circumstances, saying that the nonpayment of their severance packages has placed significant economic pressure on them.
The spokesperson for the group, Mr Nkwachukwu Agumuo, said the state government should have settled their severance payments promptly, given that their disengagement from service was abrupt.
He stressed the need for the government to provide the funds to help them rebuild their lives and support their families.
The retirees, while acknowledging Governor Otti’s developmental initiatives in the state, pleaded for his assistance in resolving their financial plight.
They noted that they had made several attempts to draw the attention of the state government to their situation, including visits to the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Commissioner for Justice.
“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.
“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 said.
Agumuo emphasized that the retirees had dedicated decades of service to the state for the public good, highlighting the suffering endured by their families due to the delayed payments.