Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has restated his administration’s readiness to revisit unresolved issues with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state. This came as the national leadership of the union, led by its President, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, paid a visit to the Governor in Umuahia on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, seeking forgiveness on behalf of the Abia State Chapter of the NUP.
Governor Otti, responding to the plea, acknowledged the lingering concerns surrounding pension arrears in the state. He recalled a previous commitment made at the FMC Chapel to re-evaluate the matter and reiterated that the willingness to resolve the problem remains strong. He appointed a negotiation team led by his SSA on Labour Matters, Comrade Godson Anucha, with key members of his cabinet including the SSG, Chief of Staff, and Special Advisers as part of the committee.
The Governor expressed his disappointment at the conduct of the State NUP leadership, revealing that he had initially invited them for dialogue after assuming office and even presided over a committee to address their issues. However, he lamented that the union misrepresented the outcome of the meetings. He emphasized the importance of honesty, transparency, and integrity, affirming that his government does not engage in lies or deceit.
He revealed that his administration had secured ₦10 billion to pay off significant portions of outstanding pension arrears. Pensioners owed less than ₦1 million were paid in full, while those with larger arrears received up to 60% of what was owed. This equitable distribution was welcomed at the time by the pensioners, the Governor noted.
While acknowledging that the debt predates his administration and spans over a decade, Governor Otti maintained that the priority is not only managing the past but ensuring pensioners are paid consistently going forward. He insisted that the goal must be to fix the problem, not shift blame.
Earlier in his remarks, the National President of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Mazi Godwin Abumisi, praised Governor Otti for his infrastructural and social reforms, calling him a “star performer” who has brought dignity to governance. He pleaded with the Governor to forgive the missteps of the Abia NUP leadership and discard the agreement they signed in ignorance.
He noted that the NUP leadership in Abuja was not consulted before the controversial agreement was signed and expressed confidence in the Governor’s capacity and compassion to act in the best interests of the pensioners.
The meeting was attended by top government officials and stakeholders who pledged support to finding a lasting solution to pension-related issues in the state.