Cross River To Pay Gratuities, Salaries With Paris Club N6bn Refund – Ayade

It is cheering news for workers in Cross River State as the state government has given indication that the N6 billion and N75 million Paris Club refund recently released to the state by the Federal Government would be used basically for the payment of gratuities and salaries of civil servants.

The state Head of Service, Mr Ekpenyong Henshaw, disclosed this in Calabar on Saturday.

According to the Head of Service, “our governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, is desirous of paying all outstanding arrears owed civil servants by the previous administrations because he has their interest at heart.

“He is ready to do anything within his power to ensure their salaries and other lawful entitlements are paid as and when due.

“The governor has directed the Commissioner for Finance and Accountant General to immediately commence processes for the payment of gratuity to 2014 retirees as we round up payment to 2013 retirees,” Henshaw disclosed.

On the fate of those who are yet to receive their entitlement particularly workers at the local government service, the Head of Service assured that everyone is being carried along saying that “all duly earned gratuities, salaries and pensions by civil servant would be paid subsequently.”

He urged workers not to relent in contributing their quota to the development of the state now that the government is more than ever ready to enthrone the needed reform agenda that will promote efficiency to enhance good governance.

“Governor Ayade places high premium on welfare of civil servants,” he said, adding that “the state government is committed in ensuring that it builds a workforce that can compete favourably with their contemporaries at the world arena.”