MEDIA CHAT: OTTI PLEDGES TO INCREASE MINIMUM WAGE, CLEAR PENSION

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has expressed his resolve to improve on the minimum wage of the state’s civil servants to align with the present economic realities.

Governor Otti made the pledge during the 3rd edition of his monthly media chat held at the Government House, Umuahia.

He expressed regret about the prevailing harsh economic situation and stressed that the government would not just improve on the minimum wage but also in other areas in the state.

Shedding light on the recently retired Permanent Secretaries and Directors in the state, the Governor said their arrears of salaries and gratuities due to them would be paid and reassured of his commitment to clear other pension arrears as earlier promised.

On why he has been operating from his country house instead of the new government house, Governor Otti explained that his predecessor inaugurated an uncompleted building while the old Government House was left in a dilapidated state.

He noted that government Engineers and Valuers came up with estimation of five hundred and fifty million naira to complete the construction work at the new government house but however resolved to embark on gradual renovations at the old government as the state finances could carry.

Governor Otti used the opportunity to debunk allegations that his administration spent nine hundred and twenty seven million naira on food in the third quarter.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU