The Delta State House of Assembly has approved a loan request of N40 billion for Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to defray backlog of pensions owed retired primary school teachers and local government employees in the state.
The governor, in a letter to the House, explained that the loan was aimed at assisting the 25 local government councils in the state to pay a substantial part of accrued rights of local government pensioners⁵. He said the approval was part of the conditions relevant in accessing the facility.
The House gave the approval at its maiden plenary session on Tuesday, following a motion by the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, and seconded by the Chief Whip, Perkins Umukoro. The Speaker, Emomotimi Guwor, lauded the lawmakers for their support and assured of a robust synergy between the state Assembly and the executive for greater socio-economic development of the state.
The governor noted that at a meeting held in his office with council chairmen and other stakeholders, it was resolved that a credit facility be sourced from a commercial bank to pay the retirees. He added that Zenith Bank had availed the 25 councils the said facility in a prorated manner, in tune with their respective indebtedness to pensioners, for which offer letters had been issued to all the chairmen by the bank.
The governor also said he was determined to help the state and steer the ship of the nation, and to deliver on all the promises that were made¹. He appealed for prayers and support from the citizens and said he was taking “baby steps” as President.
