Otti frowns at delay in implementation of approved extra

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has frowned at the delay in implementation of approved extra allowances of corps members posted to the state and has, therefore, directed the immediate removal of administrative bottlenecks militating against the implementation.

Otti had, sometime ago, announced his administration’s approval of extra allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Abia State, but it has not been implemented.

Governor Otti gave the directives in his office while receiving the New State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Yunusa Tanimu, and members of his delegation.

The governor, in expressing surprise that the payment had not started, noted that he had approved and made adequate provisions for its payment, and directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to liaise with the Head of Service and ensure immediate implementation.

“I am surprised that the extra allowance that I approved had not been implemented. Please, can you (referring to the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development) ensure that whatever it is, it has to be dealt with immediately.

“Because, the last time, I was told it’s about BVN, and I’m sure I tried to solve it. So, if there is any other problem, please, can you get the Head of Service to solve it. I already have given the approval, and we have made provisions for it. So, if it’s not been implemented, it’s of no use to us. It’s already provided for.

“I’m surprised to hear that it hasn’t been done. I knew about the time when we argued about BVN, and I stepped in and resolved it. That was before you (new State Coordinator) came,” Governor Otti stated.

While thanking the state coordinator for identifying with him, and for seeing himself as an Abian, Otti assured that anyone who lives and does business in Abia State is regarded as an indigene of the state as there is no state of origin in Abia State under his administration.

The governor congratulated the new state coordinator on his posting, and appreciated the contributions of the NYSC members to the success of his government.

Earlier, Tanimu had told the governor that he came to familiarise with him, having assumed duty as the NYSC state coordinator in Abia State, recently.

Tanimu appealed for the full and expeditious implementation of the state allowance approved for corps members in Abia State.

He congratulated the governor on his numerous accomplishments in the state, especially in the areas of infrastructural development as well as other policies and projects that are geared towards advancing the economic prosperity, peace, and stability of the state and, also, improving the condition of corps members posted to the state.