At a period when payment of salaries has become a herculean task to most of the state governments in the country, the Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, yesterday made the issue look like a child’s play when he announced the payment of May salaries of workers in the employ of the state government.
Ayade made the announcement while he addressed workers in the state during the May Day celebration held at the UJ. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Apart from the payment of this month’s salaries to the workers, Ayade announced the appointment of labour representative into the state executive council, release of funds for the building of Labour House, and donation of a new Toyota coaster bus to the NLC.
Ayade who minutes earlier had been pronounced “Best Labour Friendly Governor in Nigeria” by the organised labour in the state, said his administration would continue to dignify its workforce by ensuring that they get their dues promptly.
In his address, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade John Ushie, assured the governor of the support of the workers towards ensuring success for his administration.
Ushie commended the governor for ensuring that salaries of workers were paid promptly, saying on this the governor has made his mark at a period his counterparts in other state were complaining of lack of financial resources to pay workers.
However, Ushie informed the governor that some issues related to the payment of gratuities and pensions to retired workers were still pending.
The NLC chairman said check of dues owed several affiliates unions based on deduction from workers emoluments were yet to be remitted to the NLC.
He said workers in the state would continue to support of the developmental strides of the Ayade administration, especially the construction of the proposed 260 kilometre super highway from Bakassi to Katsina-Ala.
