Oshiomhole"I'm not leaving huge debt for my successor, Say's Governor.

Tarila | 17:19:00

Out going Edo state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole on Thursday August 11,Said his administration is owing only four  years of unpaid pensions after settling nine years pensioners entitlement.

Speaking to the newsmen in abuja,Oshiomhole said he is leaving behind a huge liability for his successor,

Contrary to the allegation by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The PDP had alleged that Oshiomhole's failure to pay pensioners arrears might cripple the incoming administration in the state.

Oshiomhole said: From 1998 when the Army left, to 1999 and to the end of 2008 when l took over,that was a period of 13 years.

So,we found a pension bill of 13 years, arrears of gratuity and pension not paid by the PDP  government including the 7,000 people they dismissed.

When I assumed duties at the end of 2008, I had two options; 

There was this temptation to say that I would be paying those who retired during my tenure.

But as a former labour leader,I asked myself that if employer was so calous to carry out massive retrenchment of workers as the PDP did by sacking 7,000 and permanent secretaries and did not pay them gratuity, is it the fault of the workers?

So, I accepted the fact that government is a continuum.

So, as we speak today we have paid all those who pensioned in 1998 and 1999, all the ones they dismissed in the year 2000 and those who retired from 2001 to 2011.

"So, I have paid pension arrears of 13 years even though I have been in government for only seven years.