Abia State Polytechnic staff celebrate as the governor pays long-overdue salary arrears accumulated by previous administrations. The N16.5 billion debt, inherited by the current government, is being cleared in tranches. Videos show staff expressing gratitude and praying for the governor, marking a hopeful moment for civil servants in Abia State.
Staff at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, erupted in joy on September 13, 2024, as their long-awaited salary arrears were finally paid. The arrears, accumulated over years under previous administrations, were settled by the current state governor, marking a significant step in addressing the N16.5 billion debt owed to employees of state-owned educational institutions.
This payment is part of a broader plan announced in June to gradually offset the massive salary backlog. The Commissioner for Finance, Mike Akpara, confirmed that the government had inherited this substantial debt and was committed to paying it off in batches without compromising other sectors.
Videos circulating online show Polytechnic staff expressing their gratitude, some kneeling in prayer and thanking the governor for delivering on his promise. The celebrations reflect the relief and hope this payment brings to workers who had endured years of unpaid wages.
