GOVERNOR OTTI ALSO RESCUED ABIA PENSIONERS—THE EVIDENCE IS PUBLIC
Governor Caleb Mutfwang deserves commendation for addressing Plateau State’s long-standing pension liabilities. However, Governor Alex C. Otti, OFR, has also undertaken a major pension rescue in Abia State.
In March 2024, the Otti administration paid over ₦9 billion to settle inherited pension arrears owed to about 12,500 Abia retirees. The arrears had reportedly accumulated for approximately nine years, dating back to 2014.
The Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners confirmed that payments were received and publicly commended the Governor.
This was not merely a government media claim. The National Pension Commission—PenCom later commended Governor Otti for addressing inherited pension liabilities and signing the Abia State Pension Reform Law 2024.
The administration also restored regular payment of full monthly pensions, with a commitment to pay pensioners on or before the 28th of every month.
In March 2026, Governor Otti extended the intervention by approving pension payments for qualified Abia Agricultural Development Programme retirees who served and retired between 2000 and 2010 but had previously been excluded.
Therefore, the factual comparison is clear:
Plateau reportedly addressed pension liabilities dating back 40 years, while Abia cleared a major nine-year general pension backlog, restored regular monthly payments, introduced pension reforms and provided relief to previously excluded retirees.
The periods may differ, but the principle is the same: inherited injustice was confronted, pensioners were paid and dignity was restored.
EVIDENCE LINKS
PenCom—Official Commendation:
https://www.pencom.gov.ng/pencom-commends-governor-otti-for-his-commitment-to-setting-up-a-seamless-pension-scheme/
THISDAY—Nine-Year Arrears:
https://www.thisdaylive.com/2024/03/30/otti-brightens-easter-celebration-for-abia-retirees-clears-9-years-pension-arrears/
TheCable—12,500 Retirees Paid:
https://www.thecable.ng/never-again-shall-we-have-backlog-abia-pays-pension-arrears-of-12500-retirees/
Premium Times:
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/regional/ssouth-east/683774-weve-cleared-all-pension-arrears-in-abia-governor-otti.html
The Guardian:
https://guardian.ng/news/weve-cleared-all-pension-arrears-in-abia-gov-otti/
The Punch—ADP Retirees:
https://punchng.com/otti-approves-10-year-pension-payment-for-adp-retirees/
VERDICT: GOVERNOR OTTI DID NOT CLAIM TO CLEAR A LITERAL 40-YEAR GENERAL BACKLOG. HE DID, HOWEVER, CLEAR A MASSIVE INHERITED PENSION DEBT, RESTORE REGULAR PAYMENTS AND REFORM ABIA’S PENSION SYSTEM.
FACTS, NOT POLITICAL AMNESIA.
