The Cross River State Government has cleared five months of salary arrears owed to workers of the Obudu Ranch Resort, following a peaceful protest staged by the workers on July 1 over non-payment.
The payment was confirmed in a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr. Sunday Michael.
He disclosed that workers started receiving credit alerts on Wednesday after Governor Bassey Otu approved the immediate disbursement.
According to the statement, the payment, which also includes outstanding allowances, was made on the “express directive of the Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, for the immediate clearance of all salary arrears owed to workers of the Resort.”
Describing the mood at the resort, Michael said, “From last night, staff started receiving alerts.
The mood at the Ranch this morning is one of joy, gratitude, and renewed hope. His Excellency did not just make a promise, he acted immediately. This is leadership that listens and leadership that cares.”
Otu’s aide said that the intervention is in line with the Governor’s “People First” agenda and that Governor Otu has further directed management to ensure salaries are paid regularly and promptly going forward to avoid future backlogs.
He added, “This administration believes that when workers are happy, service improves, and when service improves, tourism thrives.
“For many families who had endured months of financial pressure, the payment has brought huge relief” He maintained.
A staff member, Ms. Unimashi Adah, thanked Governor Otu for prioritizing workers’ welfare, while the government reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of all civil and public servants and the full revival of Obudu Ranch Resort as a leading tourism destination.