By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
Retirees in Imo state have conveyed profound gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for settling their longstanding gratuities. They lauded Uzodimma for fulfilling an obligation that previous administrations had neglected for decades, emphasizing that this noble gesture would ensure the governor’s own comfort in his golden years.
In a poignant letter addressed to Uzodimma, the elderly citizens hailed the current administration’s prompt action on their gratuities as a long-awaited reality. The letter, endorsed by Chief Dr. Josiah Ugochukwu, the state chairman, and Evangelist Livinus Ashiegbu, the state secretary, expressed, “Today, a savior has emerged in Imo state. Even the skeptics have witnessed the disbursement of our gratuity payments.”
The retirees acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s decision to provide them with the full 100 percent of their gratuities, in stark contrast to the 40 percent that a former governor had attempted to coerce them into accepting. They confirmed that a significant portion of their members had already received their payments, a testament to Uzodimma’s commitment to his word.
In their prayers for the governor’s continued success, the retirees wished for an even more prosperous and harmonious second term in office. While expressing their gratitude, they implored Governor Uzodimma to address the challenges faced by some members who have encountered obstacles in receiving their pensions due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Additionally, the retirees issued a stern warning to individuals they deemed as adversaries of the state government, cautioning against exploiting pensioners for personal gain. They criticized past administrations for disregarding court decisions in favor of retirees, highlighting the injustices they had endured in their pursuit of rightful compensation.
