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From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti and the former Senator representing Abia Central at the Upper legislative chamber, Dr Nkechi Nwaogu have expressesed optimism of better things to come in 2024.
In their separate New Year messages, they were of the view that 2023 ended with it the worse phase in Nigeria’s history, adding that 2024 would usher in a new and more prosperous nation.
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Otti is his message, called on Abians to embrace the new Year with great hope, optimism and confidence.
The Governor said the year 2024 will be a year of consolidation of the gains made in the past seven months of his administration.
In the message titled, “A journey of great expectations” Otti said plans had been concluded for the upward review of workers salary to fit into the prevailing economic realities.
“We shall review the salaries of all the employees upwards to reflect economic realities of the time. Work on it is on the final stages”
On his promise to defray arrears of pensions in the State before the end of 2023, the Governor said, “It is unfortunate to report that a few challenges have conspired to ensure that we are unable to keep this promise . Based on the figures available to us , we had arranged the funds to make good this promise, however, before making the payment we decided to conduct a digital verification of the pensioners , to our alter shock, we found that there were pensioners who had been owed since 2014.
“At the end of the exercise, just a week ago, the total figure required for the payment was twice the amount we had provided .
“While we continue to engage the National Union of Pensioners ,we believe we will be able to make the payment before the end of the first quarter of this New Year. If required, we may go back to the House of Assembly for necessary approval to ensure that this payment is made”
The Governor revealed his intention to set up an International body of advisers known as Abia Global Economic Advisory Board (GEAB) made up of accomplished internationally recognized experts from accross the globe, “who will help in our journey to take our State to the world as a preferred investment destination”
While describing 2023 as a year of watershed in the political history of the State, Otti thanked all who contributed in reshaping the political direction of the State which he said paved way for the fresh air being inhaled by Abians.
Meanwhile, Senator Nwaogu in her New Year message said he was optimistic the year 2024 was coming with a lot of opportunities.
The former Abia State Women Coordinator, Tinubu Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Council, expressesed appreciation to God for His Divine providence and protection throughout 2023.
She urged all to maintain the peace in 2024 which she described as the panacea for development.
