The Abia State Government has announced plans to clear unpaid salary arrears owed to former local government councillors who served between 1999 and 2022, in what officials describe as a step toward resolving longstanding labour grievances.
Governor Alex Otti disclosed the decision during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia, assuring them that payment would commence before the end of the month and be executed in phases.
According to the governor, the liabilities were inherited from previous administrations and had been complicated by legal disputes and inconsistent settlements.
He explained that his government chose to address the issue comprehensively after reviewing the claims and the court processes tied to them.
Otti noted that governance should be driven by responsibility and problem-solving, stressing that all categories of public workers, including former officials and pensioners, deserve fair treatment.
He maintained that settling the arrears aligns with his administration’s commitment to justice and equitable compensation.
He also commended the councillors’ association for withdrawing ongoing court actions, describing the move as a confidence-building step that made reconciliation and harmonisation of claims possible.
The governor directed relevant officials, including lawmakers and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, to formalise the association’s structure to facilitate engagement and coordination going forward.
In separate remarks, political stakeholders and lawmakers praised the initiative, urging the beneficiaries to support the administration’s policies at the grassroots.
The National Secretary of the Labour Party also lauded the decision, describing it as consistent with the party’s governance philosophy.
Earlier, the association’s leadership expressed appreciation to the government for addressing the long-standing issue, noting that neglect by previous administrations had caused severe hardship among members.
They described the planned payments as a restorative step that would bring relief and closure to affected councillors.
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