EXCLUSIVE: Governor Alex Otti Pays 23 years Arrears of Salaries to All Former Elected Councillors from 1999–2022, Earning Praise Across Abia State

In what has been described as an unprecedented act of fairness and inclusiveness, the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has cleared all arrears of salaries and entitlements owed to former elected councillors who served under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) between 1999 and 2022.

The gesture has been widely applauded by the Association of Former Elected Councillors of Abia State (1999–2022), who expressed deep appreciation to the governor for fulfilling a long-standing obligation that had been neglected by successive administrations.

In a statement signed by the State Chairman of the Association, Hon. Anthony Agbanyim (Democrac), the Public Relations Officer, Prince Ogueji Okolie, and all 17 Local Government Coordinators, the group commended Governor Otti for demonstrating that leadership is about justice, compassion, and inclusion.

According to the association, several administrations since 1999 failed to acknowledge or settle the arrears of elected councillors who served under the PDP, leaving many of them in hardship and frustration. 

However, Governor Otti, in his typical people-centered approach to governance, has changed that narrative by ensuring the long-awaited payments were made in full.

“Governments have come and gone in Abia since 1999, but it is only Governor Alex Otti who remembered and paid all arrears of salaries and entitlements of former elected councillors, regardless of their political affiliations,” the statement read.

The group likened the governor’s gesture to that of a kind and compassionate leader who remembers the grassroots actors that laid the foundation of local governance in the state.

They noted that just as the governor had earlier paid pensioners, health workers, civil servants, staff of Abia Polytechnic (now Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic), Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), and teachers across the state, he has now extended the same fairness and benevolence to former councillors—describing the move as a landmark achievement in Abia’s political history.

Reaffirming their total loyalty to the governor, the association pledged to stand by him and his administration against detractors and political opponents.

“Sir, do not be deterred by critics. Under your watch, Abia has risen never to fall again. You have given dignity and hope to those who served at the grassroots,” the statement concluded.

The former councillors described Governor Otti as “Omenke-Ahuruna-Anya,” a leader whose compassionate vision and justice-driven governance have brought new life to Abia State’s political and moral landscape.