Akwa Ibom State Government has assured retired workers from diverse backgrounds that have meticulously fulfilled all documentation requirements that they can access their retirement benefits without any additional procedures.
The state’s approach to gratuity distribution for retired workers and civil servants follows a strict ‘first come, first served’ model, emphasizing equality over preferential treatment.
During a live radio interview on XL 106.9FM, Uyo, Dr. Essien Ndueso, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Akwa Ibom State on Research and Documentation, disclosed this information on Wednesday.
In fulfillment of his campaign pledge, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State recently disbursed an additional N2.7 billion for the settlement of gratuities owed to retired workers and leave grants for primary school educators.
The recent release means that Governor Eno, in nine months, has paid a total of N14.7 billion to retired workers in the state.
The SSA, who described the disbursement at a time of harsh economic realities, as a welcome development, added that the governor’s action is another justification that government is a continuum.
He said the governor was naturally inclined to catering for workers and needed no prompting, hence his decision to always set aside money every month for arrears.
On the rumours that the previous administration was not faithful to the payment of gratuities, Ndueso described the assertion as false, maintaining that the previous administration which paid pensions till its tenure expired, also made remarkable efforts in clearing backlogs of gratuities.
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He said, “When Mr Udom Emmanuel assumed office in 2015, one of his first actions was the clearing of 10-year arrears of gratuity between 2001 and 2011 for local government workers and primary school teachers.
“Governor Eno is fulfilling his pledge to continue from where his predecessor stopped.”
Ndueso reiterated the significance of Governor Eno’s ongoing gratuity payments as a testament to the continuity of governance, praising the people-centric leadership in Akwa Ibom State and attributing it to divine intervention.
While rejecting accusations of favoritism in gratuity payments, the communication expert advised retired workers to maintain composure, reassuring them that funds are being disbursed in an orderly sequence.
He also noted that the administration under Governor Eno is receptive to feedback from relevant departments regarding the disbursement processes.
He enthused, “No one needs to go and lobby to be considered, because the process of payments is clear and systematic.
“The payments for retired local government workers is handled by the Local Government Pensions Board, while the State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, and a special committee comprising stakeholders like retired teachers, government officials, is saddled with payments for retired teachers.”
Underlining the transparency of the process, he stressed that retirees who left service later should not expect to receive payments before their older peers.