Thomas Abi Jr|18 September 2015|10:07pm
It is no news that workers in Nigeria were owed salaries for many months without getting their pay. Most States owed their civil servants for as long as four to five months. And during these long period of unpaid salaries many workers died due to poverty and hardship. But in recent times, the workers of Cross River State have every reason to thank God for giving the State a man like Prof. Ben Ayade as Governor of the State.
During the 100 days in office interview of Governor Ayade, he made mentioned that he was so passionate about putting food on the table of his People. "If you know you are truly a leader then put food on the table of your People".
Taking over office as Governor of Cross River State, the State has experienced remarkable changes. Workers in the State now go home with the assurance that every 25th of each month they will get paid. Meeting Mrs Azipu, a civil servant in the State, she said in over 20 years in service this was the first time she was receiving her salary in the same month. "This is the first time I am receiving my salary in over 20 years in service in the same month. It has never happened in this State that workers get paid the same month. God will bless Ayade, now I can afford to clear my Children's school fees without borrowing. Ayade is a great man. Mothers in Cross River will keep praying for him. He is a good man".
Many other workers have recounted their ordeals over the years when salaries were not paid promptly but with the Man of Politics with Ethics on the helms of affairs things have become better for the workers of Cross River State.
It is worthy of note that the multiplier effect of earned but unpaid wages is real. The workers suffer, the immediate family and dependants suffer, society is worse for harboring stressed filled human beings whose life spans are shortened. Seeing the economic challenges of his People, the enigmatic Governor of Cross River State, Prof. Ayade, decided to put things straight by paying workers their salaries as at when due.
It is also a known fact that Cross River State is among one of the most indebted States in the country, but the Governor coming from a very humble background has taken it upon himself to pay salaries timely. Many People may say it is not a big deal to pay salaries, but I must say we must commend Governor Ayade for keeping to his promise of paying workers on time. Today, the workers of Cross River State now receive salaries the same time with their colleagues under the Federal government payroll and most times before the Federal government workers. It is something very remarkable, that the administration of Governor Ayade needs to be applauded.
A State like Cross River State where the citizens are predominantly civil servants and teachers, there is no economy aside the civil service. If civil servants and teachers are not paid, nothing else happens. But with the prompt payment of workers, civil servants can now be seen bubbling and smiling in the State.
The Governor had pointed out in his 100 days in office interview that he had released the payment of Local Government workers salaries, that is something that is very commendable. And I urge the good People of the State to continue to pray for Governor Ayade as he strategizes better ways of liberating the State from the over dependence on the Federal Government.
Prince Thomas Abi Jr.
Is a Public Affairs Analyst/Social Commentator
