As tension rises over the proposed nationwide ₦70,000 minimum wage, Cross River State Governor, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has appealed to organized labor in the state to suspend its planned two-day warning strike. The strike, scheduled to begin at midnight on Sunday, November 24, 2024, threatens to disrupt activities across the state.
Speaking through his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, during the 5th edition of the State Solemn Assembly held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Governor Otu assured workers of his administration’s commitment to prioritizing their welfare and fulfilling their demands.
“Governor Otu prioritizes the welfare of the workforce,” Odey stated. “I appeal to the leadership of organized labor, alongside the NLC and TUC affiliates, to reconsider their planned strike and partner with the administration to improve the lives of Cross Riverians.”
The governor’s representative highlighted strides made since the administration’s inception, urging workers and citizens to sustain their support and prayers for the government’s ‘People First’ mantra, which aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Odey detailed significant ongoing projects across the state’s three senatorial districts, including: Construction and renovation of major roads, Rehabilitation of key state facilities, including the Governor’s Office and the State Library and Revitalization of government lodges in Calabar, Abuja, and Lagos.
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He also reassured workers of efforts to clear outstanding gratuities, regularize pension payments, and implement overdue promotions. He stated that the state is prepared to exceed the ₦70,000 national minimum wage benchmark, demonstrating its commitment to worker welfare.
The event’s spiritual highlight featured a homily by Pastor Jerry Eze, founder of Streams of Joy International. Preaching on the theme “Ebenezer: A State Helped by God”, Pastor Eze urged leaders to govern with integrity and the fear of God. He commended the administration for organizing the assembly, emphasizing that Cross River remains one of the few states that prioritize putting “God First.”
The solemn assembly concluded with a powerful prayer session for the Governor, his family, the Deputy Governor, State Executive Council members, and traditional rulers. The session underscored the administration’s focus on divine guidance to achieve its development goals.
Despite the administration’s assurances, organized labor in Cross River remains firm on its demands, citing the urgency of addressing wage disparities and worker welfare. The next 48 hours will be crucial as negotiations continue to prevent the strike.
