Relief is coming for hundreds of former Abia councillors as the state government moves to finally settle long-standing salary arrears dating back over two decades.
Gov. Alex Otti has announced that Abia will begin paying outstanding salary arrears owed to former Local Government councillors who served between 1999 and 2022, with disbursements set to start before the end of the month.
Speaking during a meeting with the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia, Otti said the payments—accumulated under previous administrations—would be cleared in batches, stressing that his government is committed to resolving inherited problems.
He explained that the issue involved complex legal disputes and uneven payments in the past, but commended the councillors for withdrawing court cases to allow reconciliation and harmonisation of records.
According to him, leadership is about fairness and responsibility, noting that every worker—civil servant, political office holder or pensioner—deserves to be paid what they are owed. He also assured former councillors of equal treatment, regardless of political affiliation.
The councillors’ association welcomed the move, describing it as long-awaited justice after years of neglect, hardship and unpaid entitlements.
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