Idorenyin Etuk, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State has lauded Governor Umo Eno for regular payment of gratuities to retired civil servants.
Governor Eno recently authorized the release of additional N1.4 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants.
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The breakdown of the payment showed that while N900 million is for retired State civil servants, N500 million is for retired primary school teachers.
A statement made available to Businessdsy and signed by Ekerette Udoh, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, stated that the release of the additional N1.4 billion had brought the total amount of gratuities paid so far by the governor to ten months after his inauguration, bringing the total gratuities to N16.1 billion.
The payment of pensions and gratuities has been a subject of controversy leading to protests by retired civil servants, including their next of kin who had taken to the street to register their grievances.
Reacting, Etuk, who is a member of the APC Elders Council in the area, said the prompt payment of gratuitues to retired workers by the governor had endeared his heart to the governor.
*I cannot hide my feelings, the governor is doing well in this aspect. It is inhuman to allow retirees to be protesting for the payment of their entitlements.
*Even though I may not have a retiree directly, what the governor has done shows his love for the people adding that it shows that the governor is not interested in seeing senior citizens after serving the state for years remain in penury.
“Even though, it is an acknowledged fact that gratuities are entitlements, but the courage to consistently release funds for the payment, further demonstrates the people-centric approach to governance by Governor Umo Eno.
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“This gesture, will undoubtedly help our retirees cushion the harsh effects of the current economic situation in the country”, he said.
He added though he had opposed his governorship ambition, he was beginning to see the governor’s humanity and his love for the welfare of the people.
“Akwa Ibom is a civil state and many of the retirees with families have found it difficult to make ends meet without the payment of their entitlements”, he noted.
