The Akwa Ibom State Government has emphasized that the payment of gratuity to retired workers in the state is neither biased nor politically motivated.
It clarified that retired workers from all sectors who have completed the necessary documentation will receive their retirement benefits without any further requirements.
According to Mr. Essien Ndueso, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Research and Documentation, gratuities are disbursed based on a “first come first serve” basis, ensuring fairness and transparency in the process.
The recent disbursement of 2.7 billion naira for gratuities and leave grants for primary school teachers, as part of Governor Umo Eno’s commitment, brings the total amount paid to retired workers to N14.7 billion within nine months. Ndueso hailed this move as evidence of the government’s dedication to the welfare of its workers.
Addressing rumors about the previous administration’s handling of gratuities, Ndueso affirmed that efforts were made to clear arrears, including settling a decade-long backlog between 2001 and 2011. He emphasized Governor Eno’s commitment to building on the progress made by his predecessor.
Ndueso assured retired workers of fair and systematic disbursement, dispelling allegations of favoritism. He outlined the clear processes involved, with payments handled by relevant departments such as the Local Government Pensions Board and the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Acknowledging the importance of transparency, Ndueso encouraged feedback from stakeholders to ensure accountability and fairness in the gratuity payment process. He reiterated that payments would be made in sequence, with older retirees prioritized over newer ones, in line with established procedures.
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