The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has said the state was in a deep hole and required the urgent support of all citizens to surmount the challenges facing her.
He spoke during the thanksgiving church service of the newly sworn-in member representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency in Abia State at the House of Representatives, Obi Aguocha.
The event which took place during the weekend, at Okaiuga Central School Nkwoegwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North local government area of the state was attended by eminent personalities, friends, political associates and supporters of the federal lawmaker.
Governor Otti, during the thanksgiving service, revealed that the past state government controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party left Abia in huge debt totalling N200b.
He said the present state government is committed and undeterred in efforts to save the state from indebtedness caused by the misplaced priority of the previous administration in the state.
On the continued outrages trailing the delay in constituting the state executive council after his inauguration as governor, Otti disclosed that he will announce the full constitution of the state executive council before the end of this June.
He explained that the government will commence the payment of confirmed salary arrears, bearing in mind that retirees from the state service are owed several years of unpaid pensions or entitlements.
Governor Otti said, “we have started a forensic audit of the pensioners, to ensure the right people are paid since there were uncovered fictitious figures and numbers that cannot be confirmed.
He called for the patience and support of Abia people, insisting that the days when those entrusted with the people’s mandate perpetrate corrupt practices and get away with it are gone.