Ebonyi State Government has commenced the process for the payment of gratuities to retired local government staff from 1996 to date.
To this end, Governor Francis Nwifuru has inaugurated a six-member committee headed by Mrs Catherine Ogbu to verify and pay genuine local government retirees.
Other members include Mrs Mbam Joy, Dr. Cajethan Oketa, Hon. Justice Iheanachor Chima, Comrade David Elom, representing the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), while Mr. Martins Uguru is to serve as the Secretary.
Governor Nwifuru charged the committee to be above board in the discharge of the assignment.
“I have confidence in the calibre of persons selected to do this assignment. I want everybody who had the opportunity to serve this State at the local government level, to get their full entitlements.
“We are embarking on this not because we have enough but just like I told the local government Chairmen, that the payment is as important as physical projects,” he said.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday by Nwifuru’s Chief press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor and made available to journalists in Abakalili.
Governor Nwifuru directed the committee to ensure each retiree is paid the same day they are verified and confirmed.
“Use available documents as guides and ensure every retiree receives an alert immediately he or she is verified,” he added.
The Governor appreciated the Local Government Council Chairmen for attaching importance to the exercise.
