The Imo state government has commenced processes that will clear all ambiguity surrounding payment of pensions in the state and subsequently lead to clearing of a backlog of pensions in the state.
This disclosure was made on behalf of Governor Emeka Ihedioha by his Chief Technical Adviser, Paschal GU Madu who doubles as Chairman, Committee on verification of Imo pensioners while conducting newsmen round the Nick’s Banquet Hall, venue of the automated data capturing of Imo pensioners.
He said the files of over thirty thousand Imo pensioners were being verified to capture important data after which the team will go to the field to commence verification and biometric capturing of pensioners.
According to him, the result will enable the government to determine what is accruable to every pensioner in the state and permanently solve the problem of ghost pensioners, which will, in turn, save government huge loss of revenue.
The Chief Technical Adviser reiterated the governor’s commitment to the payment of pensions and promised that after three days of the verification, he will pay the pensioners. He solicited full support of all stakeholders to ensure the success of the exercise.
Speaking, the consultant handling the project, Ross Ben Okakwe assured of a very reliable and flawless exercise which will stand the taste of time.
In their separate remarks; NLCS Chairman, Imo state chapter, Comrade Austin Chilakpu, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Imo state chapter, Dr. JB Ugochukwu Secretary of the association, Evangelist Livinus Ashiegbu commended government for what they described as the only genuine pension verification exercise in recent times and called for speedy completion of the exercise, and also for it to go simultaneously with payment of the pensioners to avoid further delay.
Other committee members present at the press briefing included, the Secretary, Chinedu Okpaleke (Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Strategic Planning and partnerships) representative of media team, Adaora Onyechere (Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Information and Advocacy) Abba Chimaraoke, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and E-Governance.
By Jennifer John.
