The government of Ebonyi State led by Governor Francis Nwifuru has commenced the process for the payment of gratuities to retired local government staff from 1996 to 2025.
Contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chief press Secretary to the governor, Dr Monday Uzor and made available to journalists in Abakaliki on Friday, Governor Francis inaugurated a six-member committee to verify and pay the state’s genuine local government retirees.
The committee led by Mrs Catherine Ogbu includes other members; Mrs Mbam Joy, Dr. Cajethan Oketa, Hon. Justice Iheanachor Chima, Comrade David Elom, representing the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), while Mr. Martins Uguru is to serve as the Secretary.
The Governor mandated the committee to be above board in the discharge of the assignment to ensure that no fakes benefit from the movement but only genuine retirees.
He expressed confidence in the committee to deliver a good job just as he charged them to ensure each retiree is paid the same day they are verified and confirmed.
“I have confidence in the calibre of persons selected to do this assignment. I want everybody who had the opportunity to serve this State at the local government level, to get their full entitlements.
“We are embarking on this not because we have enough but just like I told the local government Chairmen, that the payment is as important as physical projects.
“Use available documents as guides and ensure every retiree receives an alert immediately he or she is verified,” he said.
The Governor appreciated the Local Government Council Chairmen for observing the importance of the exercise.
