Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has authorised the payment of 2014 gratuity to retired civil servants in the state, and also donated N50 million to the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, for the completion of the Labour House in the state.
Ayade who was accompanied by his deputy, Ivara Esu, members of the State Executive Council as well as officers and members of the state NLC and TUC, gave the directive shortly after inspecting the NLC secretariat, which is under construction.
On the payment of gratuity, Ayade said, “we have already finalised and I have just signed today an authorisation for them to commence the implementation of 2014 gratuity.”
While applauding the leadership of Labour in the state for the good management of resources in the erection of the building, the governor said, “at the time we discussed with the NLC/TUC on the need to support them build a Labour House, the approval I gave was so insignificant for the accomplishment of what I am seeing here today. I thought I was the only magician who knows how to turn one naira to a million dollars. Today, I have seen some management experts that are equally very good.”
Ayade who assured that the Labour House will be completed before his third year anniversary in office announced that, “against that background, God has descended upon me with an inspiration,” adding that, “to ensure that you complete this project and get it ready for commissioning as in the history of Cross River, we have never had a Labour House where members can come in unmolested, it is my pleasure to support you complete this edifice with additional N50 million. That figure will cover both furniture, telecom and small clinic in case of any emergency.”
He charged Labour leaders and members to remain better organised, well structured and never relent in their roles to the society, pointing out that, the leaders must not stop insisting on what they think is the right thing for the people as it is pertinent to share the concerns of government while appreciating the challenges of workers.
Earlier, NLC Chairman in the state, John Ushie, explained that “for over 40 years, the Labour centre has not had a place to call their own, but in your time, it has come to pass. We believe that before your third year in office, you will come back to commission this place.”
