The Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has approved the restoration of about 3,000 local government workers earlier removed from the state’s payroll, following an extensive engagement with organised labour comprising the state chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).
The governor’s decision followed a frank and comprehensive discussion on workers’ welfare, recruitment, promotions, salary harmonisation, pensioners’ entitlements and other matters affecting industrial relations in the state.
The meeting, held at the State Executive Council chambers, Calabar, provided the labour leaders an opportunity to present their concerns directly to the governor.
The NLC leadership particularly appealed for the reconsideration of the disengagement of workers who had already spent about two years in service, arguing that the affected persons were sons and daughters of Cross River who had built their livelihoods around their employment.
Responding, Otu acknowledged the human dimension of the issue, noting that “people have been used to particular remuneration,” and that “to cut them off at short notice will be too much to absorb,” particularly when the withdrawal affected their entire source of livelihood.
The governor explained that the administration’s intervention in the public service was motivated by the need to correct anomalies, restore due process and ensure that employment and remuneration were founded on appropriate qualifications and fairness.
“I want you to believe that their feelings were based on the fact that people have been used to particular remuneration,” he said, stressing that the government was equally mindful of the consequences of abrupt changes.
He, however, maintained that the state must establish a public service in which opportunities are distributed equitably.
“Somebody cannot be a secondary school [leaver] and already be getting an appointment,” he said, adding that “because you have the opportunity, that does not mean it is your family alone; others also deserve the opportunity”.
Governor Otu also said his administration was determined to rebuild the state on the principles of fairness, productivity and shared responsibility, rather than perpetuating practices that could undermine the public service.
“We are committed to the rebuilding of all these elements,” he declared, while appealing to labour leaders to “join hands” with government in the task of rebuilding Cross River.
He emphasised that government alone could not carry the burden of transforming the state, noting that “our relationship is principally a corporate relationship” and that the administration would continue to require “maximum cooperation” from organised labour to navigate the challenges confronting the state.
The governor also drew attention to the state’s difficult financial circumstances, explaining that government had been grappling with inherited obligations and substantial recurring commitments while simultaneously trying to improve workers’ welfare and develop infrastructure.
He said the administration had worked hard to reduce the burden of outstanding liabilities, but that fresh obligations continued to emerge.
“Almost every month we are taking out 300 to 600 [million],” he said, underscoring the pressure on the state’s finances.
He nevertheless expressed optimism that sustained efforts to improve revenue and manage existing commitments would enable government to address more of its outstanding obligations.
On the broader economic question, Governor Otu urged labour to look beyond confrontation and become a partner in the state’s development.
“The real foundation for the economy has been laid,” he said, pointing to the administration’s efforts to improve infrastructure, create investment opportunities, strengthen human capacity and empower citizens.
He declared that the state must move away from a “hand-to-mouth economy” towards one driven by productivity, enterprise and sustainable opportunities, stressing that “we must be ready to fold our shirts and take up the challenge” of rebuilding Cross River.
The governor also acknowledged the other concerns presented by labour, including outstanding promotions, salary harmonisation and the welfare of low-income workers and pensioners.
He assured the unions that the issues raised would receive further consideration through the examination of relevant official documents and briefs.
“For the other issues, I will need at least some briefs,” he said, directing labour to submit the necessary documentation while government would equally review its own records.
The meeting, he said, had provided an important opportunity for both sides to better understand the issues, resolve outstanding concerns and strengthen the partnership between government and organised labour, culminating in his approval for the restoration of the 3,000 affected local government workers.
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