By Onwa Ekor
A total of 3,000 local government workers earlier removed from the Cross River State’s payroll have been reinstated by the governor, Prince Bassey Otu.
The approval followed an extensive engagement with organised labour; the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) Cross River chapters, held at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Calabar.
The meeting centred on workers’ welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and other industrial relations matters.
Labour leaders had appealed for reconsideration of the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service, arguing that the affected persons are sons and daughters of the State who depend on their jobs for livelihood.
Responding, Otu acknowledged the human dimension of the issue, noting that an abrupt cut-off would be difficult for families to absorb.
“I know people have been used to particular remuneration and to cut them off at short notice will be too much to absorb, particularly when it affects their entire source of livelihood,” he said.
The governor explained that the administration’s intervention in the public service was aimed at correcting anomalies and restoring due process, ensuring that employment and remuneration are based on appropriate qualifications and fairness.
“Somebody cannot be a secondary school leaver and already be getting an appointment.
“Because you have the opportunity does not mean it is for your family alone; others also deserve the opportunity,” he said.
Otu said his administration is determined to rebuild the State on the principles of fairness, productivity and shared responsibility.
“We are committed to rebuilding all these elements. I appeal to you to join hands with government in rebuilding Cross River,” he told labour leaders.
He stressed that transforming the State requires maximum cooperation from organised labour, adding that “our relationship is principally a corporate relationship.”
On the State’s finances, the governor disclosed that government has been grappling with inherited obligations and recurring commitments while striving to improve workers’ welfare and infrastructure.
“Almost every month we are taking out 300 to 600 million to settle obligations,” he said, expressing optimism that improved revenue will enable government to clear outstanding liabilities.
He urged labour to be a partner in development, noting that the foundation for economic growth has been laid through infrastructure, investment opportunities, human capacity development and citizen empowerment.
“The real foundation for the economy has been laid. We must move away from a hand-to-mouth economy to one driven by productivity and enterprise. We must be ready to fold our shirts and take up the challenge,” Otu said.
The governor assured that other concerns raised by labour including outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation and welfare of low-income workers and pensioners would be reviewed, directing the unions to submit relevant documents for consideration.
