The Abia State government has claimed that property owners were compensated before the ongoing demolition along the Ossah-Okpara Square axis of Umuahia.
The Accountant General of the State, Njum Onyemenam, who disclosed this to journalists on Thursday, said that claimants who provided their correct account details have already received payments.
“We have gotten confirmations that claimants have already started receiving their monies, that is the position right now.
“Claimants who have provided us with their current bank details have received their payments,” Onyemenam said.
She advised claimants who have accounts with the old Diamond Bank and may not have received their monies to get alternative Access Bank account numbers to enable them receive payments.
“Those that are banking with the old Diamond Bank account should meet their banks to collect the alternate Access Bank account number as the old Diamond Bank is not compliant with our payment platform,” the AG stated.
She, however, noted that many claimants have not provided their data, and revealed that as soon as they come up with their correct details, they will be paid.
The Accountant General pointed out that the government wants to avoid a situation where monies are paid to the wrong persons.
She advised those who are yet to receive payments to reach out to Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), whose duty, she said, is to send their details to the AG’s office.
On the issue of salary payment for public workers, the AG stated that her office had already commenced the disbursement of September salaries in line with the promise of Governor Alex Otti to pay workers’ salaries on or before the 28th of every month, adding that those who missed previous payments would be accommodated in the September salaries.
While noting that pensioners are the priorities of the State government, the Accountant General said there would be a verification exercise for them.
She, however, said it would be conducted in an atmosphere free of stress.
Peoplesmind
