Governor of Cross river state, Bassey Otu has approved the release of N10 billion to settle outstanding gratuities owed retired civil and public servants in the state.
This decision comes after a prolonged delay since 2014, during which two previous administrations failed to address the issue.
According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, the current administration had planned to commence payments last year but was forced to delay due to the need for a thorough audit and verification process.
This exercise has so far uncovered over 2,000 ghost pensioners, who have been removed from the government’s pension payroll.
To facilitate the payment process, a committee comprising executives from state and local government worker unions has been established, headed by the Secretary to the State Government. The committee, will develop a payment plan to commence by August this year.
