Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the payment of long-overdue gratuities to pensioners in the state, with the first batch of payments amounting to N1 billion now underway. The governor’s decision comes as a significant move to address the decades-long suffering of retired civil servants, many of whom have waited since 2012 for their due benefits.
In a statement released on Monday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the state government assured that the payments would be made in phases, starting with the N1 billion for the first batch. The move marks the beginning of fulfilling the governor’s commitment to clear the backlog inherited from previous administrations.
Governor Okpebholo expressed his firm resolve to ensure the welfare of retired civil servants, emphasizing that they deserve the benefits they’ve earned through years of dedicated service to the state. He acknowledged the hardship pensioners have faced, stating, “For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship.”
The governor reiterated that his government is committed to restoring the dignity of pensioners. He promised that all outstanding gratuities would be cleared in phases, with a transparent and fair verification process in place to ensure all pensioners receive their rightful entitlements.
“We recognise the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs,” Okpebholo remarked. “Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future.”
In conclusion, Okpebholo assured pensioners that his government will not abandon them. “This is just the beginning. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” he added.
