Otu Restores 3,000 Local Government Workers

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved the restoration of about 3,000 local government workers previously removed from the state payroll.

The decision followed a meeting between the governor and organised labour, comprising the state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Nigerian Union of Pensioners.

The meeting, held at the State Executive Council chambers in Calabar, focused on workers’ welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and other industrial relations issues.

During the meeting, the NLC leadership appealed to Otu to reconsider the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service.

The union argued that the affected workers had built their livelihoods around their eCross River State Governor, Bassey Otu,mployment and would face significant hardship if their jobs were withdrawn.

Responding, Otu acknowledged the impact of the disengagement, saying many of the workers had become accustomed to their salaries and depended on the income for their livelihoods.

“I want you to believe that their feelings were based on the fact that people have been used to particular remuneration,” he said.

The governor said the administration’s intervention in the public service was aimed at correcting anomalies, restoring due process and ensuring that employment and remuneration were based on appropriate qualifications and fairness.

He stressed the need for equitable access to employment opportunities in the state public service.

“Somebody cannot be a secondary school [leaver] and already be getting an appointment,” Otu said, adding that having an opportunity did not mean it should be reserved for one family.

He said his administration was committed to rebuilding the state public service around fairness, productivity and shared responsibility.

“We are committed to the rebuilding of all these elements,” he said, urging labour leaders to “join hands” with the government in rebuilding Cross River.

Otu also called for greater cooperation between the government and organised labour, describing their relationship as a “corporate relationship” that required “maximum cooperation” to address the state’s challenges.

The governor said the state was dealing with inherited financial obligations and substantial recurrent commitments while also trying to improve workers’ welfare and develop infrastructure.

He said the administration had made efforts to reduce outstanding liabilities, although new obligations continued to arise.

“Almost every month we are taking out 300 to 600 [million],” he said, referring to the financial pressure on the state.

Otu expressed optimism that improved revenue generation and better management of existing commitments would enable the government to address more of its outstanding obligations.

On the state’s economic development, the governor urged labour to move beyond confrontation and become a partner in rebuilding the economy.

“The real foundation for the economy has been laid,” he said, citing efforts to improve infrastructure, create investment opportunities, strengthen human capacity and empower residents.

Otu said Cross River needed to move away from a “hand-to-mouth economy” towards one driven by productivity, enterprise and sustainable opportunities.

“We must be ready to fold our shirts and take up the challenge,” he said.

The governor also acknowledged other issues raised by labour, including outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation and the welfare of low-income workers and pensioners.

He asked the unions to submit relevant documents and briefs to enable the government to review the outstanding issues.

“For the other issues, I will need at least some briefs,” Otu said.

The meeting ultimately resulted in the governor’s approval for the restoration of about 3,000 affected local government workers to the state payroll.