The Abia State Government has concluded arrangements to commence payment of outstanding salary arrears owed to former Local Government councillors who served between 1999 and 2022, Governor Alex Otti has said.

Otti disclosed this during a meeting with members of the Association of Former Elected Councillors held in Umuahia, assuring that the backlog inherited from previous administrations would be cleared in batches, with disbursement set to begin before the end of the month.

According to the governor, the issue initially came to his attention without full details of the complexities involved, including multiple court cases and partial payments made through legal orders. He said his administration undertook a comprehensive review to harmonise all claims.

He stressed that governance is about stewardship and resolving inherited challenges, noting that all categories of government workers, including pensioners and non-core civil servants, deserve fair and equal treatment.

“Every worker deserves his wages. Our stand is anchored on justice and fairness, and we will always do what is right,” he said.

The governor commended the former councillors for withdrawing pending court actions, describing the move as a demonstration of trust and reconciliation that would fast-track resolution of the matter.

He directed the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Chief Ginger Onwusibe, alongside the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Uzo Nwachukwu, to formalise the structure of the association for proper engagement with government.

In their remarks, Onwusibe and the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Austin Meregini, praised the administration’s inclusive approach and urged members of the group to support the present government at the grassroots.

Also speaking, Labour Party National Secretary, Sen. Darlington Nwokocha, lauded the initiative, describing it as a practical demonstration of responsive leadership. He encouraged the councillors to align with the party, calling it a platform driven by conscience and social justice.

Earlier, the association’s coordinator, Tony Agbayim, expressed appreciation to the state government for approving the payment plan, saying the decision would bring relief to many affected members. He noted that prolonged neglect by past administrations led to hardship and, in some cases, the death of former councillors.

He further applauded ongoing reforms in salary and pension payments, as well as infrastructural upgrades in Umuahia, adding that the present administration has restored confidence in governance across the state.