Cross River Governor, Otu Appeals to Labour to Shelve Planned Two-day Warning Strike
By Uket Oka, Calabar
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has appealed to the Organised Labour in the state not to continue with its planned two-day warning strike scheduled to commence from midnight of Sunday the 24 to Tuesday 26 November, 2024.
In a Bulletin No: 2 issued in Calabar the Organised Labour sited the unwillingness of the State Government to implement the new minimum wage to workers as the major reason.
Governor Otu made the appeal during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, the State capital.
Represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the governor noted that his administration has prioritized the welfare of workers in the State.
“In light of this, I appeal to the leadership of Organized Labour, along with all affiliates of the NLC and TUC, to suspend their planned state-wide strike, and I enjoin them to support the Governor in his quest to improve the lot of our people,” Otu stated.
He further assured of his commitment to improve conditions for both serving and retired workers.
“These include clearing backlogs of gratuities, regularizing pension payments, and implementing overdue worker promotions,” the Governor said.
He stressed that Cross River State was among the first states in Nigeria to increase the minimum wage from N30,000 to N40,000, even before the Federal Government’s recent announcement of a N70,000 new national minimum wage.
He called on the people of Cross River State to sustain their support and prayers for the administration to achieve its ‘People First’ mantra in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
Senator Otu further noted significant infrastructural improvements across the three senatorial districts of the state, including road construction and renovation, the rehabilitation of the Governor’s Office, the State Library, and government lodges in Calabar, Abuja, and Lagos.
He also assured the people of Cross River State that the administration is equally focused on enhancing the health, agriculture, and education sectors to ensure the welfare of the citizens.
In his Homily, the Guest Preacher and Founder of Streams of Joy International, Pastor Jerry Eze, delivered a message on the theme, “Ebenezer: A State helped by God.”
Pastor Eze urged Christians, particularly those in leadership positions, to lead with the fear of God and embody Christ-like values in their actions.
He praised the state’s administration for organizing the solemn assembly, highlighting its commitment to seeking God’s guidance, noting that “Cross River is one of the few states that prioritize putting God First.”
Highlight of the event was a special prayer session offered for the Governor and his family, Deputy Governor, State Executive Council members, traditional rulers, and other top government officials.
