C-River To Partner Banks On N24bn Gratuity Debt, Pensions Payment – Otu
- Says negotiations ongoing with Organized Labour
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River says the State government is seeking to partner with a consortium of banks to address the disturbing N24 billion gratuity debt owed pensioners in the State.
The Governor, who identified the unpaid debt as the major headache hindering his administration’s lofty plans to effectively re-jig the State civil service for efficiency in service delivery, assured that all positive measures would be taken to put back smiles on the faces of all pensioners and retirees.
Presenting his 100 days in office scorecard as Governor, Prince Otu explained that the amount represents the accumulated arrears of unpaid retirees’ benefits since 1999.
The Governor, who expressed pains and regrets that most of those affected are no longer alive to reap the fruits of their labour, assured the beneficiaries to keep hope alive as negotiations with the Organized Labour are ongoing to quickly remedy the unfortunate situation.
According to him, a consortium of banks has signified their interest in assisting the State to address the challenge, adding that immediately after negotiations are finalised with Labour, positive steps would be taken to put back smiles on the faces of the retirees.
He also said to ensure efficiency and effective service delivery, workers from Grade Level 13 and below have been directed to report at their duty posts for only three days a week, including the payment of N10,000 allowance across the board for the next six months as part of palliative to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal on civil servants in the state
On his 100 Days’ achievements in office, Governor Otu said good governance is not a sprint, but rather a marathon race that requires time-tested procedures of programme planning, discipline, patience and focus, adding that for now, he can justifiably point to his modest efforts in the completion of a 1.2 Km of concrete paved Nyong Edem street in Calabar South Local Government Area and the rehabilitation of a three (3) Km Bebuasuan rural access road in Obudu Local Government Area.
Also justifying the importance of the ongoing remodelling and renovation work at the Governor’s Office complex, he said the Government House is a signpost that reflects who Cross Riverians are, hence his decision to give the complex a befitting outlook.
The Governor also listed other areas as the construction of the 39 Km Ukelle road in Yala LGA; the Beautification of the Millennium Park at the popular Eleven-Eleven Round-about; Upgrading and completion of the International Conference Centre in Calabar as well as the completion of Edet Ansa Farm Access road and Etap Ayip road In Calabar municipality within the State capital.
