The Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province, Dr. A.J.V Obinna, Sunday, revealed that Imo pensioners told him that Governor Hope Uzodinma has cleared six months arrears of their pensions.
The Archbishop gave thumps up to the Governor for keeping to his promise to clear arrears of pensions and salaries of workers in the State delayed by the automation process of the state’s payroll system.
Speaking Sunday at the Assumpta Cathedral Owerri, during a Thanksgiving service to celebrate Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary, he said some pensioners had called him to say they have gotten six months arrears of their pensions.
He blamed some civil servants whom he alleged were responsible for the fraud in the payroll system.
“I learnt that some civil servants, the accounts people, are those perpetrating fraud in the payroll. I advise them to repent and turn a new leaf” he said
“We should pray for this governor because I think he means well” the Archbishop said
Archbishop Obinna said he was happy to hear that every issue about salaries and pensions would be permanently cleared soon and urged the governor to ensure that that was done.
Governor Uzodinma who spoke on the payroll fraud and delay in the payment of salaries and pensions in the State, assured that the automation process for payment of salaries had been completed .
“As a catholic, I can assure you that I will not disappoint the church or Imo people. I am aware that if I do well, it will rub off well on the church and if I don’t do well the church will bear part of the blame, after all I am a product of the church. So I can neither disappoint the church nor Imo people” he said
INNONEWS
