A political battle has erupted in Abia State between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) over allegations concerning workers’ salaries, pension payments and welfare programmes under Governor Alex Otti’s administration.
The APC had written to Governor Otti, urging him to take urgent steps to improve the living conditions of civil servants and pensioners in the state.
In the letter signed by the party’s Publicity Secretary in Abia State, Uche Aguoru, the APC alleged that some workers in the state were receiving salaries below the N70,000 national minimum wage benchmark.
The opposition party also called on the governor to address outstanding gratuities owed to pensioners and expressed concern over the delay in implementing the proposed increase in monthly allowances for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in the state.
The APC recalled that the state government had announced over a year ago that NYSC members would receive an increased monthly allowance of N50,000, but said the promise was yet to be fulfilled.
However, the Labour Party in Abia State dismissed the APC’s claims, accusing the opposition party of spreading what it described as “desperate and blatant lies” against Governor Otti’s administration.
The LP, through its Publicity Secretary, Iroegbu Emenike, said the era when pensioners suffered prolonged delays before receiving their entitlements was over in the state.
The ruling party claimed that workers and retirees in Abia were now receiving their salaries and pensions regularly, respectively.
The LP further accused APC members in the state of contributing to the challenges Abia faced in previous years, alleging that the party lacked the moral standing to criticise the current administration.
On the NYSC allowance issue, the Labour Party explained that government pronouncements require administrative processes and policy approvals before full implementation.
The exchange has intensified political tensions in Abia as both parties continue to defend their positions ahead of future electoral contests.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.