•Governor Umo Eno
UTIBE-IMA OKON, Uyo reporting
Akwa Ibom people, non-indigenes and those in the diaspora have continued to express appreciation to Governor Umo Eno over his commitment to clearing the inherited backlog of gratuity payments, describing the planned payment of gratuities alongside salaries from 2027 as a significant relief for retired workers and their families.
The reactions followed comments by the governor during the unveiling of the new International Market in Ikot Ekpene, where he announced an additional ₦2 billion payment towards the outstanding gratuity obligations of the state.
The development generated discussions on the AKBC Online platform, with several viewers commending the administration for sustaining its efforts to address the backlog.
For many of the commenters, the issue goes beyond figures, as gratuity represents years of service by workers who contributed to the development of Akwa Ibom.
They noted that regular payment of retirement benefits would provide greater financial security for retirees and enable them to meet their responsibilities with dignity.
It would be recalled that Governor Eno, while speaking at the unveiling ceremony of the International Market in Ikot Ekpene LGA, announced the additional ₦2 billion payment, bringing the amount paid so far to ₦100 billion out of the ₦111 billion gratuity backlog inherited by his administration.
The governor has also indicated that the state intends to institutionalise the payment of gratuities alongside salaries from 2027, a move that has attracted further reactions from members of the public. Commenters said such an arrangement, if sustained, could help prevent the accumulation of large gratuity backlogs in the future.
Among those who expressed appreciation on the AKBC Online platform were Samuel Chukwudi, Odudu Udom, Ekemini Billy, Rosalyn Archibong, Mustapha Auwalu, Unyime Uwah, Nnenko Simon, Innocent Godspower, Namnso Ukpong, Pastor Ubong Inwang, Ekomobong Ekenem, Mfon Ekpo, Emmanuel Peter Akpan, Mfonido Uyanga, Elijah Akpaka, Cyprian Obot, Sunday David, August Offiong, Udonta Friday, Esther Sampson, Glory Udoessiet, Ify Daniel, Adiaha Imaikop, Moses Sunday, Udobong Justine, Mbosowo Akpan, Sunday Udo Jonah, Bassey Udo Jonah, Ediongema Offiong, Promise Ituen, Namso Umoren, Patience Aquaowo, Dickson Ikpe, Daniel Ukpong and Ukeme Daniel, among many others.
The commenters thanked the governor for what they described as attention to the welfare of retired workers, while praying for God’s blessings and strength for him to continue with programmes aimed at improving the lives of the people.
Beyond the immediate financial relief, the reactions reflect the importance attached to retirement benefits by workers and families across the state. For retirees who have waited for their entitlements, each payment represents more than an administrative obligation; it is a recognition of years of service to the state.
As the state continues its efforts to settle the outstanding gratuity obligations, the growing public conversation has placed renewed attention on the need for sustainable systems that protect workers’ benefits both during active service and after retirement.
