By: Edem Archibong, Calabar
The new Head of Civil Service in Cross River State, Barrister Orok Bassey Okon has promised that Governnor Bassey Edet Otu will soon commence the payment of the second batch of the state Pensioners starting from 2016 – 2024 once funds are available.
This assertion was made in Calabar during the week end at an interview with media practitioners soon after a meeting with the retirees organized by the new Chairman of National Union of Pensioners (NUP) led by Comrade Effiong Ita Umo and
the new Head of Service, Barrister Orok Bassey Okon and the outgone NUP Chairman who is now the state Chairman of the state Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Fidelia Okpo Ene.
He also used the opportunity to appeal to the Pensioners to execercise
patience because the sweet Prince is committed to the wellfare of retirees.
Speaking earlier is the new Chairman of the National Union of Pensioners In the state (NUP) , Comrade Effiong Ita UMO debunked outrightly the allegations which was on the news that Governnor Bassey Edet Otu have given an approval of another N10Billion for payment of second batch of retirees from 2016 – 2024 is complete false and fallacies.
Comrade Umo further described the allegations as emanating from the camp of the non Trade Unionist who parade themselves as “aggrieved pensioners” which suddenly Emerges to attach Government officials instead of dialogue and persuasion through negotiations.
He further declared that no retirees will benefit or will be paid his gratuities if such persons are under the umbrella of aggrieved pensioners association unless they pass through the right channel which is the National Union of Pensioners.
Also speaking is the immediate outgone Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Monday Uno Obgodum declared that the state Governnor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu have made some frantic efforts to ensure that the pensioners are giving their due gratuities while the hominization of the retirees salary have been assured due to the outcome of the meeting they have with the new Head of Service.
Comrade Obgodum explained that the delay in the payment of salary regularization of to the retirees is caused by the retirees themselves.
He appealed to them to exercise patience with the Governor who have the retirees at heart.