President of the Cross River Businessmen’s Forum, Henry Onwe, has commended the state governor, Bassey Otu, for reinstating 3,000 local government workers to the state payroll.
Onwe, in a statement issued in Calabar on Friday and made available to journalists, described the decision as a demonstration of what he called the governor’s concern for the welfare of the people, particularly young workers who he said constituted a significant number of the beneficiaries.
He said the reinstatement would inject additional purchasing power into the state’s economy and have a ripple effect on households and businesses across Cross River.
According to him, the return of the workers to the payroll would bring relief to thousands of families, noting that the economic impact would extend beyond the individual employees to their dependants and other members of their extended families.
Onwe said, “The Governor’s decision is a rare demonstration of love and goodwill for the people, particularly young people who are the bulk of the beneficiaries of our Sweet Prince’s action.
“This decision would have a quantum effect on our state’s economy and aggregate development. He is such a rare asset to our dear state, strongly committed to building and fostering lasting relationships, development and societal advancement for the present and future generations.”
The businessman identified increased purchasing power, household income and youth livelihood protection as some of the potential effects of the reinstatement.
He said returning the 3,000 workers to the payroll would stimulate economic activity as beneficiaries resumed earning regular incomes and spending within their communities.
Onwe also said the decision would have a wider household effect because, according to him, income earned by one worker often supports several members of an extended family.
He further commended the governor for what he described as a non-discriminatory approach to the reinstatement, saying the decision demonstrated concern for the welfare of affected workers.
Onwe also called on the reinstated workers, their families and other Cross River residents to support Otu politically ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
He said, “How can we reciprocate this great gesture?
“In the light of this invaluable decision and other developmental strides recorded by the governor, I call on all reinstated workers, their families, friends and every Cross Riverian to rally behind Governor Otu.”
He urged the beneficiaries and other residents to support the governor’s bid for another term in office in 2027, describing such support as a way of reciprocating what he considered a significant gesture.
Onwe added that the governor’s actions deserved recognition and called on Cross Riverians to continue supporting his administration.
