The Abia State Government has announced a plan to settle salary arrears owed to former Local Government Councillors who served between 1999 and 2022. Governor Alex Otti made the announcement during a meeting with the Association of Former Elected Councillors in Umuahia, emphasizing the administration's commitment to resolving inherited challenges. He stated that payments would begin before the end of the month and noted that these payments would occur in batches.

During his address, Otti acknowledged that he was initially unaware of the complexities surrounding the arrears, including ongoing court cases. He reassured the former councillors that his administration is dedicated to addressing all issues, highlighting that leadership is fundamentally about stewardship and problem-solving. His remarks also underscored the importance of elected leaders to effectively manage and rectify existing challenges in governance.

Otti's announcement signals a significant step towards rectifying past grievances faced by former officials, aligning with his administration's broader objectives of accountability and transparency in government. By committing to pay the outstanding arrears, the state government aims to foster a better relationship with its former leaders and restore confidence in its governance. This move could serve as a precedent for addressing other similar issues in the state and promoting equitable treatment for all government workers and stakeholders.