Retired workers under the Concerned Retirees of Abia State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) have appealed to Governor Alex Otti to urgently intervene in the payment of their 15-month salary arrears inherited from the past administration.
The group acknowledged that while the backlog was not created by the current government, Governor Otti had pledged to clear the debt in tranches—a process they said has already begun for active staff.
Spokesperson Ifeanyi Mbanefo noted that 10 months have so far been paid, with the 11th tranche reportedly in progress. However, he lamented that retirees have been excluded from the disbursements.
“Governor Otti promised to pay the 15-month salary arrears owed to HMB staff. He has so far paid 10 months and is preparing to pay the 11th. We’re pleading with him to remember the retirees and include us in the next tranche,” Mbanefo said, adding that many affected pensioners are battling serious health and financial challenges.
He cited his own deteriorating health, including a kidney condition, as an example of the urgent need for support among the group.
Also speaking, Comrade Henry Nwagbara, who retired in 2024, expressed disappointment over the delay in honoring previous commitments, noting that retirees are struggling to meet essential family and medical needs.
The group highlighted previous efforts to seek redress, including letters to the Accountant General, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2018 following a meeting convened by the then Deputy Governor.
They urged Governor Otti to fulfill his promise and include them in upcoming payments, to align their treatment with that of active HMB staff already receiving the arrears.
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