The scene took place on Tuesday inside a Presbyterian Church in Ebem, Ohafia, Arochukwu Ohafia Local Government Area, which hosted a meeting between Otti and more than 1,000 local seniors.
It was the first day of a two-day visit to the LGA by the LP candidate for governor, who was heavily favoured to win the 11 March 2023 election.
Mrs. Nwanyi Ukwa, accompanied by the master of ceremonies (MC), performed the song she had written expressing the predicament of retirees at the hands of the insensitive Abia government, led by Peoples Democratic Party Governor Okezie Ikpeazu (PDP).
Otti was caught aback by the retired civil officials' near-unanimous assertion that the government owed them a pension arrears of 56 months. Otti had overstated the length of the pensioners' obligation.
The top banker and respected economist reiterated his earlier pledge to repay all overdue salaries and pensions owing by the Abia government before the end of December 2023 when he starts office in May.
He commended the senior folks for remaining patient and optimistic despite the government's and its agents' difficulties, promising them that assistance is on the way.
"Don't be frightened. We will compensate everyone. I have previously stated that my administration, the Labour Party government that I will lead beginning May 29, will pay all outstanding salaries, pensions, and bonuses by December 31, 2023. "This will be one of the first things we do once we assume control," Otti informed them.
To demonstrate his urgent concern for the situation of the elderly, Otti distributed an undisclosed "considerable" quantity of money to be divided equally among the seniors.
(Source: hallmarknews.com)
