By Goodness Ukasoanya
Cross River State retirees will be smiling to the bank this September as the Government is about to pay the long-standing gratuity.
CONVERSEER reports that retirees in the state have been owed their gratuity since 2012, even before former Governor Ben Ayade took over in 2015 to 2023.
Governor Bassey Otu, who was sworn in on 29th May 2023, recently said he has released N10 billion for the payment of the outstanding gratuities.
In a press conference on 4th September, in Calabar, Mr Edem Darlington, Deputy Press Secretary to the Governor, said the outstanding gratuities would be paid this September.
Darlington, who was speaking under the Think Cross River Initiative, said once the seamless verification process is complete, the retirees would be paid this September.
“For a very long time, this issue has not been looked into right from 2012, the government retirees have not received their gratuities. While some have died, some are very old and weak, but this new administration has made available about 10 billion naira for the payment of gratuities. This is really worth commending.
“The verification process is seamless, and the process has to be completed before actual payment will begin, and the payment is likely to begin this September.”
Edem urged Cross Riverians and those residing in the state to put the spirit of patriotism by Thinking Cross River State.
He said, “This initiative is to promote everything about Cross River, and also, very importantly, to call on all Cross Riverians to join hands with the Governor, our dearest Sweet Prince, Senator (Prince) Bassey Otu, and promote what he is doing, support the current administration and also promote everything that has to do with Cross River State.
“It is a tool to unite Cross Riverians. So, whether you are from Cross River originally or you are living in the state, it doesn’t really matter but the fact that you are doing business or living here means that you are a Cross Riverian.”
“It is a tool to unite as a people and ensure we are part of what the government is doing by way of protecting government facilities around our locality, ensuring we reach out to security agents whenever we see things going wrong in our area – keeping the environment clean is also one of our duties to make the state a better place.”
He made us understand that everything is not really about the government, “We, as the people, are also part of the government. We must take up the actual responsibility and give our full support to the current administration.”
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