The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Labour Party (LP) have engaged in a war of words over the welfare of workers and pensioners in Abia State.
The APC, in an open letter to Governor Alex Otti, alleged that some civil servants are still earning below the approved ₦70,000 national minimum wage. The party also urged the governor to settle outstanding pension gratuities and fulfil the administration’s promise to increase the monthly allowance of NYSC members serving in the state to ₦50,000.
Signed by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC called on the governor to take urgent steps to improve the living conditions of workers and retirees.
However, the Labour Party dismissed the allegations, accusing the APC of spreading falsehoods and attempting to discredit the Otti administration.
In a statement by its State Publicity Secretary, Iroegbu Emenike, the LP maintained that workers and pensioners are receiving their salaries and pensions regularly, adding that the era of pensioners suffering to access their entitlements is over.
The ruling party further argued that the implementation of the promised NYSC allowance increase is subject to administrative processes, while accusing the APC of lacking the moral standing to criticise the current administration after years of alleged poor governance in the state.
The exchange marks the latest political disagreement between the two parties over the performance of Governor Alex Otti’s administration and the welfare of Abia residents.
