Ebonyi State Local Government retirees, some of whom have lived without the payment of their gratuity for about 30 years can now heave a sigh of relief as the State Government has commenced the process for the payment of their retirement benefits. The backlog of gratuity is from 1996 to date.
This is because the state government has inaugurated a Six Member Committee headed by Mrs Catherine Ogbu, immediate past chairman of Ebonyi State Civil Service Commission to verify and pay genuine local government retirees .
Other members include Mrs Mbam Joy , Dr. Cajethan Oketa, Hon. Justice Iheanachor Chima , Comrade David Elom representing Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT). While Mr. Martins Uguru is to serve as the Secretary.
Governor Nwifuru charged the committee to be above board in the discharge of the assignment
” I have confidence in the calibre of persons selected to do this assignment. I want everybody who had opportunity to serve this State at the local government level to get their full entitlements . We are embarking on this not because we have enough but just like I told the local government Chairmen that the payment is as important as physical projects “
Governor Nwifuru directed the committee to ensure each retiree is paid the same day they are verified and confirmed.
” Use available documents as guides and ensure every retiree receives alert immediately he or she is verified “
The Governor appreciated the Local Government Council Chairmen for attaching importance to the exercise.
