The labour movement in Cross River has called on Governor Ben Ayade’s administration to engage new hands to replace the ageing workforce in the state service.
The leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress made the call during the May Day celebration at U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, on Tuesday.
The Cross River Chairman of NLC, John Ushie, who made the call, said over 90 per cent of the current workforce had spent over 30 years in service.
He thanked the governor for approving the payment of 2014 gratuities to retirees soon but urged him to set up modalities for the payment of 2015, 2016 and 2017 gratuities.
Ushie also appealed to the governor to look into the various problems facing the state media organisations as most of them were almost not functional.
He said all the media organisations needed to be upgraded to enable them to carry out their functions effectively.
On his part, the President of TUC, Bobboi Kaigama, called on government at all levels to rise up to the task of building a united, just and egalitarian society.
Bobboi, represented by the state Chairman of TUC, Clarkson Otu, condemned the recent invasion of the Senate by unknown persons, saying such action was inimical to the growth of democracy.
In his response, Ayade thanked workers in the state for their support, adding that it was a challenge for bigger responsibility.
He said: “To God be the glory. This honour is a charge to do more.
“It is a huge responsibility but I assure you that I will not fail you.”
The governor said he was ready to close his personal bank account in order to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries.
Ayade said the administration was already working on employing 9,000 new workers on the basis of 3,000 from each senatorial zone.
The joint rally was attended by workers from all affiliate unions of NLC and TUC.
Trending
- How FRSC reduced Road Traffic Crashes by 42% – Corps Marshal
- FCCPC uncovers prices in Yen as it grills Chinese supermarket owners + Photos
- Reporters detained for airing music, taking calls from girls
- German police arrest 11 Nigerians laundering money made from dating scam
- Fernandes digs Man U out of hole in win over Sheff United
- Akintoye to Afenifere: Yoruba wants self-determination, not restructuring
- Naira loses 0.64% against dollar at official market
- Re-examining Patriarchy, Faith: Domestic violence, faith integration in Nigeria, by Michael Olatunbosun