Gov Emmanuel: I Inherited over N32bn Pension Arrears from My Predecessor …Approves promotion of 6, 000 civil servants

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has revealed that he inherited over N32 billion pension arrears from his predecessor.

The governor, who revealed this while briefing journalists in Uyo, the state capital, on Thursday on the activities of the state government, stressed that since coming on board, he has been paying pension same time salary of civil servants is being paid.

According to him, “Even when things were so rough, we didn’t owe even a day salary. Statutory allocation or not, we have a fixed date to pay salary.

“All those who said they have not received their salary or pension tell them to come with evidence that there are state government workers.

“I inherited pension arrears of over N32 billion but there is no human being who had work in the state civil service and does not get his pension on time. As we are paying salary, we are paying pension and gratuity too, as we are clearing turn by turn.”

Meanwhile, the governor has approved the release of promotion arrears for the over 6,000 workers in its employment who took part in the 2017/2018 promotion examinations.

The state Head of Civil Service(HoS), Effiong Essien, who made the disclosure during an interview in his office, said the governor’s decision to approve and facilitate the release was to give way for the 2019 promotion to be closely followed.

 The HoS said the governor has also approved the release of funds for the scheduling of the pre-promotion examination, seminar and subsequent conduct of the Administrative and Professional Officers Compulsory Class Examination (APOCE) and other promotion formalities.

Essien, who described the governor's gesture as another demonstration of his usual sincere concern for his workers, said in addition to regular payment of salaries and gratuities, the state government is also constructing affordable houses for workers.

He said the two housing estates located at Ikot Ntuen Nsit in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area and Ikpedip Ibiono/Itak Ikono on Uyo-Ikot Ekpene Road are to ensure that public servants own their own houses on a rent-to-own basis.

The HoS thanked the governor for his continued concern for the workers, and congratulated the benefiting workers as they move to their next grade levels.

He, however, charged the elevated workers to be dedicated to their duties to reciprocate the governor's kind gesture, as he assured the governor of the continued support of the workers to enable him accomplish his agenda for the state.