The Cross River State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Victor Felix Idem, has assured former local government chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors and appointees who served between 2020 and 2023 of the state government’s readiness to look into their outstanding entitlements and seek a resolution to the matter.
Chief Idem gave the assurance on Monday in Calabar when he received a delegation of the Association of Former Local Government Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Councillors and Appointees Forum, led by Barr. George Ajangson, during a scheduled visit to his office.
The delegation appealed to the Commissioner to present their concerns to the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, with a view to securing government intervention towards the settlement of their unpaid entitlements.
Responding, Idem commended the former local government officials for their patience and understanding, assuring them that he would engage the Governor on the matter as soon as possible.
He, however, requested the association to compile and submit a comprehensive list of all affected persons to his office to facilitate proper documentation and enable the government to examine their claims.
The Commissioner said the submission of the list would provide a basis for further discussions and appropriate action, expressing his commitment to presenting the matter to the Governor for consideration.
The delegation expressed hope that the Commissioner’s intervention would help bring lasting relief to members who had been awaiting the settlement of their outstanding entitlements.
As part of the visit, the association presented Chief Idem with a crested cap and a branded T-shirt in appreciation of his willingness to identify with the forum.
He was also formally honoured as a patron of the association in recognition of his acceptance to associate with its members and support their cause.
The visit ended with a renewed commitment by the association to pursue an amicable resolution of the outstanding entitlements through engagement with the state government.
By Mary Okon
