The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River Chapter, has appealed to Governor Ben Ayade to settle the 7-years backlog of gratuities owed retired public servants in the State.
The Union stated this on Friday in Calabar in a communique signed by the Chairman, Mr Victor Udu and Secretary, Mr Oka Ibor after its monthly state Congress.
According to the union, the non-payment of gratuities to retirees for several years had led to the untimely death of many of them due to hardship.
“We appeal to the governor to consider payment of gratuities to retirees to mitigate the current hardship being faced by these heroes who had laboured for the state.
“We understand that many of them have died as a result of hardship without enjoying the fruit of their labour, while many others can no longer send their children to school, “the communique read.
The congress also urged the adminstration to equip the state government-owned media outfits, the Nigerian Chronicle, Cross River Broadcasting Corporation (CRBC) and the state Ministry of Information to meet with the digital media world.
The congress further commended the proactive measure taking by the government in tackling security challenges in the state through the setting up of “Operation Akpakwu”.
“We want to commend the governor for this security outfit; there is no doubt that this has solved the menace of kidnapping and other vices in the state, particularly in Calabar.
“We therefore urged other states to borrow a leaf from Ayade to tackle the state of insecurity in parts of the country, “Congress said.
The NUJ also decried the rising insecurities in the country and called on the Federal Government to seek external assistance if need be to stem the tide. (NAN)
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