The Cross River State Government has said the N6.75 billion Paris Club refund recently released to the state by the Federal Government would be used for the payment of gratuity and salaries of public and civil servants in the state.
The state’s Head of service, Mr Ekpenyong Henshaw disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Calabar at the weekend.
Henshaw said the governor was desirous of paying all outstanding arrears owed civil servants by the previous administrations because he has their interest at heart.
“He is ready to do anything within his power to ensure their salaries and other lawful entitlements are paid as and when due. The governor has directed the Commissioner for Finance and Accountant General to immediately commence processes for the payment of gratuity to 2014 retirees as we round up payment to 2013 retirees,” he disclosed.
On the fate of those who were yet to receive their entitlement particularly workers at the local government service, Henshaw assured that they would be carried along saying that “all duly earned gratuities, salaries and pensions by civil servant would be paid subsequently.”
He urged workers not to relent in contributing their quota to the development of the state, stressing that the government was working to enthrone the needed reform that would promote efficiency to enhance good governance.