Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu has approved the restoration of about 4,000 local government workers to the state payroll after a meeting with organised labour, bringing relief to thousands of affected families.
The decision followed an extensive meeting between the governor and leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), where workers’ welfare and other labour issues were discussed.
The labour leaders appealed to the governor to reconsider the removal of the workers, explaining that many of them had spent about two years in service and had built their lives around their jobs.
Responding to the appeal, Governor Otu said he understood the hardship the workers were facing, noting that, “people have been used to particular remuneration,” and that “to cut them off at short notice will be too much to absorb,” especially because many depended entirely on their salaries.
The governor explained that his administration began reforms in the public service to correct irregularities, restore due process and ensure that employment was based on qualifications and fairness. He added, “I want you to believe that their feelings were based on the fact that people have been used to particular remuneration,” stressing that government was also concerned about the impact of sudden job losses.
Governor Otu, however, maintained that every qualified citizen should have an equal opportunity to serve, saying, “Somebody cannot be a secondary school [leaver] and already be getting an appointment,” adding that “because you have the opportunity, that does not mean it is your family alone; others also deserve the opportunity.”
He assured labour that his administration remained committed to building a public service based on fairness, productivity and accountability. “We are committed to the rebuilding of all these elements,” he said, while urging labour leaders to “join hands” with the government to rebuild Cross River State.
The governor also spoke about the state’s financial challenges, explaining that his administration inherited huge obligations and still spends between ₦300 million and ₦600 million almost every month to clear outstanding liabilities. “Almost every month we are taking out 300 to 600 [million],” he said.
He said the government was laying a strong foundation for economic growth through improved infrastructure, investment opportunities, human capital development and empowerment programmes. According to him, Cross River must move away from a “hand-to-mouth economy” and embrace productivity and enterprise, adding that “we must be ready to fold our shirts and take up the challenge” of rebuilding the state.
Governor Otu also assured labour that issues relating to promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ welfare and other workers’ concerns would be reviewed after receiving the necessary official documents. “For the other issues, I will need at least some briefs,” he said.
The restoration of the 4,000 workers is expected to ease the hardship faced by many families and further strengthen cooperation between the Cross River State Government and organised labour.
