Positive reactions have continued to trail the payment of arrears of severance package by the Akwa Ibom State Government to ex-Council Chairmen and Vice Chairmen (elected) who served between 2008-2015.
Some of the beneficiaries could not hide their excitement during the recent official visit of the State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, as they were on hand to show solidarity and appreciation to the Governor for what they described as his people- centred leadership, particularly the payment of their severance packages that were pending several years after leaving office, saying he has kept his promise.
Speaking to Journalists the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Frank Archibong asserted that the gesture is a demonstration of Governor Eno’s commitment to ensuring that those who served the State diligently were rewarded and their dues paid in form of severance allowances, gratuities, and other entitlement.
“Those Chairmen left office 2015, this is 2024, nine years after, they are being paid and they are all happy. Governor Umo Eno’s quest is to reduce to zero all debts and entitlement owed workers and retirees.”
On the payment of gratuities, and other entitlement to Local Government employees and retirees, Hon Archibong stated thus; “We can see the Governor’s effort also in the area of gratuities to retirees. Last month we took on 2013 arrears to Local government workers, arrears of 2014 leave grant to Primary school Teachers has also begun, it’s a gradual process. In the end everyone will be happy because there is serious commitment on the part of Gov Umo Eno to ensure everyone gets paid.”
Reacting, a former ALGON Chairman and two-term Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Nse Ntuen said; “For over ten years, we have been struggling, begging for our severance to be paid, but today, Governor Eno has graciously done that for us. We are working under him steadily, and we will reciprocate his gesture by forming a support base for him”.
Also speaking, former Vice Chairman of Eket Local Government Council, 2012-2015, Hon Victor Henry was got his cheque, also extolled the good works of Pastor Umo Eno in the State; “We are here to get what is due us out of the benevolence of His Excellency. We had waited for so long but in this administration of Pastor Umo Eno, he has proved himself as a good man,a father. He has done what we have been praying for all these years”.
The severance packages anchored through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs had presentation of cheques to the ex Chairmen and Vice Chairmen.
Information Unit
Min. of LG&CA
26/7/24
