Gov Okpebholo Criticizes Oshiomhole, Obaseki’s Administrations Over Non Payment Of Retired Civil Servants’ Gratuities

…Begins payment 12 years after

By Simeon OSAJIE

The Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo has criticised the administrations of Senator Adams Aliu Oshiomhole and Mr. Godwin Obaseki over non payment of retired civil servants gratuities in the state.

Governor Okpebholo, who approved the payment 12 years after disclosed that this marks the first time in over a decade that such payments are being made, offering relief and renewed hope to thousands of pensioners who have endured years of financial hardship.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, who disclosed that the State Government has released the sum of ₦1 billion for the first batch of payments.

According to Itua, the disbursement is the initial phase in what the Governor described as a systematic effort to clear the backlog of gratuities inherited from previous administrations.

“For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship.

“I have approved the release of ₦1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared,” the governor stated.

Emphasising his administration’s commitment to pensioners’ welfare, Governor Okpebholo said the payments represent more than just financial compensation – they symbolise respect and recognition for the years of service rendered by the retirees to the State.

“We recognise the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs,” he added. “Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also implement measures to ensure such delays do not recur.”

The Governor assured that the disbursement process would be transparent, equitable, and carried out in phases based on a structured verification process. This, he said, would ensure that only genuine pensioners benefit and that the process remains free of bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“This is just the beginning. We will not abandon our pensioners. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” the governor assured.

Reactions have begun to pour in from beneficiaries, many of whom have described the development as a turning point in their lives.

Mr. Patrick Edobor, a retired principal and one of the recipients of the gratuity, expressed deep gratitude for the Governor’s intervention.

“For years, we have been waiting for this moment. Many of our colleagues passed away while hoping for their gratuities. I commend the Governor for taking this bold step,” he said.

The move has been widely hailed as a significant milestone in the State Government’s efforts to restore public confidence in governance and improve the welfare of workers, both active and retired.

Analysts say the decision reflects Governor Okpebholo’s resolve to address inherited financial liabilities while promoting a culture of accountability and compassion in public administration.

With this initiative, the Okpebholo administration has not only brought relief to thousands of pensioners but also sent a strong message about its priorities—placing the people at the centre of governance and ensuring that no one who served the State is forgotten.