I inherited N32billion pension arrears – Gov Udom Emmanuel

Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel says his administration inherited a sum of N32 billion pension arrears from the previous administration.

He gave the figure while interacting with journalists in Uyo, the state capital Akwa Ibom state governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel on Saturday, September 28, revealed that his administration inherited a whopping sum of N32 billion pension arrears from previous administrations. He gave the figure while interacting with journalists in Uyo, the state capital, adding that since he assumed office, he had been paying pension alongside the salaries of civil servants.

He said: “Even when things were so rough, we did not owe even a day salary. Statutory allocation or no statutory allocation we have a fixed date to pay salary.

“All those who said they have not received their salary or pension, tell them to come with evidence that they are state government workers.

“I inherited pension arrears of over N32 billion but there is no human being who had worked in the state civil service that can say he does not get his pension on time. As we are paying a salary, we are paying a pension.

We are clearing gratuity turn by turn.” Also, the governor disclosed that he had approved a release of promotion arrears for the over 6,000 workers, who took part in the 2017/2018 promotion examinations.

READ ALSO: ”I’m not unaware that Anambra lawmakers rejected Toyota Prado SUVs and demanded Innoson vehicles” – Innocent Chukwuma

In an interview with journalists, the State Head of Civil Service, Mr Effiong Essien confirmed Emmanuel’s decision to approve and facilitate the release which he said would pave the way for the 2019 promotion.

He commended the governor for his continued concern for the workers and congratulated the benefiting workers as they migrate to their next grade levels. He charged the elevated workers to be dedicated to duties to reciprocate the governor’s kind gesture.

Meanwhile, Governor Emmanuel has said his administration is committed to achieving 24 hours electricity supply for every household in the state by the end of the year 2021, despite continued vandalisation and alarming theft of power installations. The governor said the availability of electricity should be a matter of right of every resident of the state.

Speaking at a media briefing as part of events marking the state’s 32nd anniversary, the governor emphasised his government’s commitment to improving electricity supply as part of a deliberate plan to enhance the ease of doing business in the state.