By Our Reporter
The University of Cross River State, UNICROSS Alumni Association has written a passionate letter to Governor Bassey Otu to consider giving the University bailout funds to offset the three-month backlog of salaries of staff of the institution.
The National President of the association, Dr Inyali Peter who signed the letter noted that the staff are still being owed April and May salaries of 2022 and are yet to be paid their November 2023 salaries.
While noting that the association will greatly appreciate it if the Governor can bail the school out to clear November and December salaries which he said are hanging in the balance, he lamented the sufferings of staff who cannot afford anything for their household in this festive period due to nonpayment of salaries.
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“I write to make a passionate appeal to His Excellency for bailout to clear three months backlog of salaries (April and May 2022; and November 2023) for UNICROSS staff. Outside the three months outstanding salary Sir, the fate of staff regarding December salary is still hanging in the balance. It is already the 21st, just a few days to Christmas, and staff have only tomorrow to carry out any bank transaction to access funds.
“Most of them are running on credit facilities from different financial institutions. They can not even access any reasonable funds from their salaries. These arrears, Your Excellency, heap more misery on their condition,” the letter reads in part.
The Alumni added “It is disheartening to imagine what households of UNICROSS staff are going through, especially this yuletide season, where love, happiness, and festivities feel the air.
“I am not oblivious of the liabilities your administration inherited and the present financial situation the State is passing through. But, Your Excellency, the ‘People First’ mantra has inspired you to devise several creative ways to make Cross Riverians feel the impact of the ‘Season of Sweetness’.
“Please, Sir, let your magnanimity be extended to the staff of UNICROSS even if it means creatively giving out bailouts to settle just November and December salaries.
“The predicament of these people is one of the challenges your administration is poised to tackle. I appeal to you, Sir, to look into this unsavoury situation of the staff of UNICROSS and come to their rescue. We know times are hard, but please see what you can do!
“We trust in your compassion for the citizens and your empathy for the needy. Kindly consider this appeal for speedy intervention, please, Sir.”
