Members of Concerned Abia Pensioners organized a thanksgiving service to express gratitude to God for answering their prayers and for Governor Alex Otti’s action in paying their long-overdue pensions, which were owed by past administrations in Abia State.
Elder John Kalu, the chairman of the group, highlighted their years of struggle, during which they sought divine intervention through prayers and fasting, reaching out to churches for support.
They specifically chose The Apostolic Church Nigeria, which had prayed for them during their hardships, as the venue for their thanksgiving.
Elder Kalu, aged 85, thanked Governor Otti for fulfilling his promise to settle the pension arrears and for initiating monthly pension payments.
He emphasized the dire circumstances they faced, with members suffering from illnesses and struggling to afford basic necessities due to the lack of pension payments. He recounted how Otti had campaigned on addressing their plight and commended him for delivering on his promise.
Assistant Secretaries, Mr. Okechukwu Ehisianya and Mrs. Mercy Ogbonna, echoed Elder Kalu’s sentiments, expressing the immense relief and gratitude felt by the pensioners.
They shared stories of the hardships endured by members, including deaths and health issues, prior to Otti’s intervention. They described the pension payments as a lifeline that has rejuvenated their lives.
The pastor-in-charge and Area Superintendent of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Apostle Bernard Ugbor, welcomed the pensioners’ gesture of thanksgiving and praised Governor Otti for prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens.
He commended Otti’s leadership qualities and expressed optimism about the future of Abia State under his governance.
It is noted that Governor Otti recently fulfilled his promise by clearing all pension arrears and has pledged to ensure prompt monthly pension payments going forward, aligning with civil servants’ salary schedules.
