By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
Akwa Ibom government has set up a committee to settle the lingering issue of harmonised pension for Pioneer Retired Permanent Secretaries in the State.
Speaking at a meeting with the Forum of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Uyo yesterday, Governor Umo Eno who showed deep concern about the plight of the elder statesmen, appealed to them to exercise patience to enable government resolve the issue.
Eno, maintained that those who have worked deserve their benefits, and assured that the issues of pension and gratuities would be given deserving attention, within the resources available.
The Governor therefore constituted a Three- Man Committee comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service,HoS, and the Permanent Secretary, in the office of the HoS to liaise with the forum for a workable document that would resolve the issue amicably.
Earlier in his remark, the leader of the group, Chief Obot appreciated the Governor for his prompt intervention, adding that though the Governor had during the governorship campaign, promised to handle the mater if elected, they never expected it to happen so soon.
Obot pointed out that they had been in Court with the state government for some years now on the matter but assured that since the Governor has shown willingness to resolve the crisis they would withdraw the case from court and allow government to handle it accordingly.
At the meeting were the Deputy Governor – Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government – Prince Enobong Uwah, Head of Service – Elder Effiong Essien, and Permanent Secretary Government House – Mr Godwin Udoh.
