Umuahia, Abia State — Retired permanent secretaries in Abia State are demanding immediate payment of their severance packages, gratuities, and other outstanding entitlements, which they say have been withheld since their abrupt disengagement from service last year.
In a statement issued in Umuahia on Thursday, spokesperson for the group, Mr. Nkwachukwu Agumuo, emphasized the urgent need for the Abia State government to address their grievances. Agumuo stated that the retirees have faced months of financial hardship due to the non-payment of their benefits, which include severance and furniture allowances essential for their post-service transition.
“Since our sudden retirement in October 2023, none of us has received our due entitlements. Many of us served this state for decades, sacrificing for the public good. Now, we are left struggling to provide for our families,” Agumuo stated.
The retirees praised Governor Alex Otti for his visible strides in development but reminded him of their dire situation. They noted that, despite several efforts to appeal directly to high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and the Commissioner for Justice, their situation remains unresolved.
The statement expressed the group’s frustration with the lack of response from officials responsible for processing their benefits. “We are 30 permanent secretaries affected by this situation, yet no significant action has been taken. The silence from those responsible leaves much to be desired,” Agumuo noted, calling it a matter of financial and
