Governor Peter Obi’s administration has expanded over N19bn in payment of gratuity of retired workers. Governor Peter Obi disclosed this while distributing cheques totaling N713m to 516 local government pensioners and primary school teachers who retired between April and December last year, for their gratuity.
Governor Obi recalled since inception, his administration has continued to save money to meet regular payment of pension and gratuity and has successfully cleared huge pension and gratuity arrears accumulated by previous administrations.
He expressed satisfaction that his government has streamlined the system such that, henceforth, every worker will receive gratuity at retirement without delay.
In a similar development, Governor Peter Obi has distributed cheques of N2m each to the 178 communities in the state. During the distribution of the cheques at the Women Development Centre, Awka, he disclosed that N1m is for maintenance of security and another N1m is for palliative work. He explained that effective security network remains one of the top priorities of his administration, saying security vehicles will soon be distributed to all communities.
The governor expressed regrets over the fact that the impact of the fund for palliative is yet to be felt in some communities but urged traditional rulers and presidents-general to ensure judicious use of the money to improve road in their area. He stressed the need for communities to be more involved in keeping the environment clean and ensure proper waste disposal.
Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mrs. Azuka Enemuo added that Obi’s administration has put in place effective security network to create conducive business environment, and is repositioning the state to take its pride of place in the country.
Also speaking, President-General, Nkwelle Ezunaka Town Union, Elder Chris Eluemuno said the governor’s intervention has kept community roads in good condition.
Some of the pensioners who spoke to the press, Mr. Issac Nwadi and Mrs. Juliana Nkwo, thanked the governor for his people-oriented governance.
