Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Anambra State’s upcoming gubernatorial election, has criticised Governor Obiano’s failure to manage the state’s pensions and gratuities debt.
In a statement, Ozigbo said that despite the efforts of the Peter Obi administration to clear over N35 billion in pension and gratuity arrears owed retirees in Anambra State since 1991, the current government had allowed the debt to re-accrue to over N5 billion by refusing to pay retirees their pension since 2017.
“I am the son of a headmaster, I recall how my father invested his gratuity wisely after retirement and how the little investment contributed to the welfare of our family. I am happy when Obi cleared the gratuities but saddened that they have started to accumulate under Governor Willie Obiano,” said Ozigbo.
According to the 51-year-old business mogul, compassion for the people is one of the virtues leaders should have, especially given that the country is currently undergoing its worst economic depression.
“It is sad to see a governor taking over a billion as monthly security vote, going on a long convoy, junketing around the world in the name of holidays, sponsoring things that do not add to the growth and well-being of the state and yet cannot pay the gratuities of retirees,” Ozigbo added.
