Retired civil servants in Ebonyi State have appealed to Governor Francis Nwifuru for assistance due to hunger resulting from the nation’s economic challenges.
The retirees, who expressed disappointment, stated that Governor Nwifuru had assured them since September 2023 that their gratuities and accumulated pensions would be paid by December 2023 but have not received anything.
They mentioned that they endured hardship during the eight years of former Governor David Umahi before Nwifuru began addressing the issue.
Some retirees, speaking to reporters in Abakaliki, praised Nwifuru for raising their hopes but urged him to fulfill his promise as they were still waiting to be paid like others.
The committee established by the state government to pay gratuities and pensions owed to retirees from 1996 to 2021, led by Professor Adeline Idike, only managed to pay those screened in November and December 2022. However, there has been no news about the Adeline Idike Committee since then, raising concerns that the remaining retirees yet to be paid may have been forgotten once again.
Efforts to reach the state Head of Service, Mrs. Rita-Mary Okoro, for comment on the matter were unsuccessful.
