The Delta State House of Assembly has given its approval to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s request to secure a N40 billion credit facility aimed at clearing the backlog of pension arrears in the state. This approval was granted during the House’s inaugural plenary session held on Tuesday.
The Speaker of the House, Emomotimi Guwor, read the governor’s letter of request on the House floor. In the letter, Governor Oborevwori explained that his administration is working in collaboration with the state chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to address the issue of accumulated pensions owed to retired primary school teachers and local government employees.
The loan being sought is intended to alleviate the hardships faced by senior citizens in the state who have served and retired at the local government level. According to the governor, Zenith Bank Plc has offered the 25 local government councils the required facility in a proportionate manner, based on their respective indebtedness to pensioners. Offer letters for the loan have already been issued to the councils by the bank.
The motion for approval was moved by the Majority Leader of the House, Emeka Nwaobi, who represents Aniocha North Constituency, and seconded by Perkins Umukoro, the member representing Sapele Constituency.
It should be noted that just days before the end of the administration of the former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, the 7th Assembly had approved a N71 billion loan for the outgoing administration.
