As part of government efforts to reduce the backlogs of accumulated pensions owed to retired Primary School Teachers and local government employees in the state, the Delta State House of Assembly has approved the request for a Forty Billion naira credit facility.
The request was contained in a letter to the House by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori at the instance of the 25 local government councils of the state.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s letter to the State Assembly was read by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor at plenary.
Oborevwori explained that the credit facility was for the 25 Local Government Councils in the State, aimed at assisting them in defraying a substantial part of Accrued Rights of Local Government Pensioners.
He disclosed that the approval was part of the conditions relevant in accessing the facility, which is anticipated to help alleviate the plight of senior citizens of the State who served and retired at the local government level.
Oborevwori informed the House that a meeting was held in his office with local government council Chairmen and other stakeholders where it was unanimously resolved that a credit facility be sourced from commercial bank to pay the council retirees.
He told the lawmakers that Zenith Bank PLC has availed the 25 local government councils the said facility in a prorated manner, in tune with their respective indebtedness to pensioners for which offer letters have been served to all the Chairmen by the bank.
He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration in collaborating with the State Chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON, to reduce the backlog of accumulated pensions owed retirees and enhance the welfare of the people.
House Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi while highlighting the need for the credit facility, said the challenge of retired local government workers paid their pensions and other benefits has been a major concern and commended the Oborevwori led administration for collaborating with ALGON towards changing the narratives for good.
Nwaobi stated that payment of the backlogs owed the local government pensioners would put smiles on the faces of many homes in the state, particularly at this material time that the cost of living rose astronomically as a result of the recent removal of fuel subsidy which he noted was having negative economic effects on Nigerians.
The Majority Leader maintained that the nonpayment of pensions had in the past, sent a greater percentage of retirees to their early grave, stressing the need for the lawmakers to graciously approve the request of the Executive in order to stop the ugly development.
In their remarks, the Minority Leader, Edafe Emakpor and the member representing Bomadi constituency, Oboro Preyor acknowledged the need for government to address challenges faced Pensioners at the local government level in the state, stressing that those involved and their families were indeed going through difficult times.
The House, unanimously gave a nod to the request following a motion to that effect by Majority leader, Hon Emeka Nwaobi and seconded by the Chief Whip, Hon. Perkins Umukoro.
The Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor commended the lawmakers for their support for early attention to the request, just as he assured of a robust synergy between the State Assembly and the Executive for greater socio-economic development in Delta State.
