Civil servants employed by the Cross River State Government in 2017 and 2018 are staging a protest in Calabar, the Cross River state capital over unpaid salaries.
The protesters who have been gathering every day since Tuesday, 25th May 2021 in front of the Governor’s office say they will continue their protest until someone addresses them.
Speaking, one of the protesters who identified himself as David and the ‘leader’ of the protesters, said that the protest is a call on the Governor to do what is right.
“We are here to demonstrate peacefully against the injustice meted to us. For three years now and counting, we have not received a dime but we go to work every day.
” We have mothers and fathers here who can no longer cater for their families. we are pleading with the Governor. He addressed us on the 30th of September promising to pay us without arrears. His Excellency gave us his words. He told us that his mandate is to put food on the table and we accepted it. From that time until now nothing has been done.” He explained.
David said their situation has been made worse with the kidnap of the NLC Chairman, as the State Head of Service and all those with the powers to act on their matter have refused to give them audience nor address them.
He insisted that their employment followed due process, as “everybody here has their appointment letter. We passed through the process of civil service employment”. He said.
The protesters carried placards with different inscription including “let the wind of change bring a smile to us”, ” Ayade you ordered for our verification, pay us”, “We are living in hunger, Ayade do something” amongst others.
