Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced that his administration will begin clearing salary arrears owed to former Local Government councillors who served between 1999 and 2022, bringing an end to a dispute that has lingered for over two decades.
Otti disclosed the decision on Sunday during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia, the state capital. He confirmed that payment of the accumulated arrears inherited from previous administrations will commence before the end of February and will be executed in batches.
The governor explained that when the issue was first presented to him, he was not fully aware of the complexities involved, including pending court cases and partial payments made under judicial orders. He said his administration undertook a review of the situation to harmonise all outstanding claims and resolve legal disputes.
According to Otti, leadership demands the courage to confront inherited challenges rather than avoid them. He stated that government workers, whether active or retired, deserve fairness and equal treatment, stressing that every worker is entitled to his wages.
He commended the former councillors for withdrawing their court cases, describing the move as a sign of trust and reconciliation. Otti noted that the decision to end litigation created room for a comprehensive settlement plan and restored confidence between the parties.
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He assured the former councillors that payment arrangements would be finalised before the end of the month, after which disbursement would begin. The governor also emphasised that political affiliation would not influence the process, promising equal consideration for all affected individuals.
In further steps to strengthen engagement, Otti directed the lawmaker representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, alongside the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu, to formalise the structure of the association.
Speaking at the meeting, Onwusibe and the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Austin Meregini, praised the governor’s approach, describing it as inclusive and solution driven. They encouraged the former councillors to continue supporting the administration’s reform agenda across their respective wards.
The National Secretary of the Labour Party, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, also commended the state government for addressing the issue, urging beneficiaries to align with what he described as a governance platform rooted in justice and accountability.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Association of Former Elected Councillors, Chief Tony Agbayim, expressed gratitude to the Otti administration for resolving what he termed a long standing injustice. He recalled that many members endured hardship due to unpaid salaries and that some had passed away while awaiting settlement.
Agbayim praised the current government for maintaining regular salary and pension payments and for ongoing infrastructure improvements in Umuahia, which he said have restored confidence in public leadership.
The planned settlement of the 22-year arrears is expected to provide financial relief to hundreds of former councillors and further reinforce the Abia State Government’s image as it seeks to address legacy debts and rebuild public trust.
