In a significant development concerning the welfare of elderly citizens and government workers, both current and retired, Pastor Umo Eno, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, has taken decisive steps towards resolving the longstanding issue of harmonized pensions for Pioneer Retired Permanent Secretaries in the State.
During a meeting held at the Government House’s Exco Chambers in Uyo, Governor Eno expressed his commitment to addressing the entitlements of workers across all levels, emphasizing the importance of providing them with due consideration.
Displaying profound empathy for the predicament faced by these esteemed statesmen, the Governor appealed for their patience as the government diligently worked to find effective solutions to the matter at hand.
Governor Eno firmly asserted that the diligent efforts of those who had dedicated their lives to public service should be rewarded, assuring the concerned parties that the issues regarding pensions and gratuities would be handled with utmost care, given the available resources.
To facilitate an amicable resolution of the matter, the Governor appointed a Three-Man Committee consisting of the Secretary to the State Government, the Head of Service, and the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Head of Service.
This committee will collaborate with the Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries to devise a practical document that resolves the issue comprehensively.
During his address, Chief J.J. Obot, the leader of the retired permanent secretaries, expressed gratitude to Governor Eno for his swift intervention.
He acknowledged that while the Governor had made a promise during his gubernatorial campaign to address this matter, they did not anticipate such prompt action.
Chief Obot, hailing Governor Umo Eno as a divinely inspired leader, revealed that they had been embroiled in a lengthy court battle with the government regarding the harmonized pension issue for several years.
However, recognizing the Governor’s commitment to reconciliation, he assured that they would withdraw the case from court and allow the government to handle it through established channels.
Notable attendees at the meeting included Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the Deputy Governor; Prince Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the State Government; Elder Effiong Essien, the Head of Service; and Mr. Godwin Udoh, the Permanent Secretary of the Government House.
