Cross River civil servants protest unpaid salaries by state govt

Civil servants in Calabar, Cross River State have in the early hours of Thursday stormed the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Anthony Owan Eno, to demand their January salary which is yet to be paid as of the 15th of February.

According to them, the economic situation is unbearable and the need for the government to pay salaries is urgent.

The civil servants said they have been asked to visit the SSG’s office to write their name which according to them is unacceptable.

They are calling on Governor Bassey Otu to act fast as people are dying of hunger.

Following the protest, the State Government explained that over 80% of salaries have been paid, adding that the delay in others is due to a verification exercise by the state government.

While speaking in Calabar, the Deputy Governor of Cross River Peter Odey explained that some workers have been receiving multiple salaries and the state government had embarked on staff audit and verification for all MDAs and employees in the local government system owing to the enormous wage bill despite a large number of retirements from the service.

According to him, the Bassey Otu-led administration remains committed to its People First Agenda which can only be realised when all segments of the state make sacrifices and support the drive for a transparent and accountable system.

The State Government notes the difficult times and assures that all those whose salaries have been delayed genuinely will be paid as soon as possible.

Source: Channelstv