The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Cross River State Council, have appealed to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ededem Charles Ani, to intervene in the ongoing issues surrounding the delisting of some local government staff from the state payroll.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ededem Charles Ani, where the unions, led by NLC Chairman, Comrade Gregory Olayi, expressed concern over the fate of affected workers.
Olayi explained that the visit was aimed at urging the Attorney General to advise the State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, on the pressing matter involving local government employees who were duly employed and placed on the payroll but were later removed.
While raising the hope that their prayers would be answered soon, the NLC Chairman assured that the unions would remain calm and await the outcome of the panel’s findings.
Responding, Barr. Ededem Charles Ani stated that prior to the recruitment exercise, the government conducted a verification process to determine the appropriate number of staff to be employed. According to him, the Governor had approved the recruitment of 500 personnel; however, the Local Government Commission reportedly employed over 8,000 individuals, far exceeding the approved number.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ededem Charles Ani urged the labour unions to remain patient and cooperative, stressing the need to safeguard the state’s stability. He further called on them to allow the panel headed by Elder Gershorm David to conclude its investigation into the matter before any further action is taken.
Ani also commended Governor Otu, describing him as a considerate and compassionate leader committed to the welfare of the people. He noted that in the previous year, about 70 staff were recruited into the Ministry of Justice based strictly on the Governor’s approval and merit.
Oben, Mary Kijie
