The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Elvert Ayambem has assured the State branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) that the present administration will continue to improve the State Civil Service.
Ayambem, who was speaking at the Assembly complex in Calabar when he received NLC and Civil Society Organisations members who were on a peaceful protest against the prevalent hardship in the country, said the State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu has a listening ear and will address the complaints of the Workers.
” Your protest is not out of place. We as the People’s First Assembly are not anti-labour. The Governor has a listening ear and he is responsive to the plight of the citizens.”
The Speaker complained about the over bloated State wage bill stressing that, despite the recent mass retirements, the wage bill has not reduced significantly.
He commended the NLC for its peaceful disposition during the protest and promised that the House will ensure that the government meets their demand.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State chapter of the NLC, Comrade Gregory Ulayi, said that the policies of the government were not people friendly adding that most workers can no longer afford transport to and from work.
He also lamented that workers have been denied their promotions while those promoted are not enjoying the financial benefit.
The NLC Chairman further demanded amongst others, that those who have retired but still occupying their positions through extension should be eased out to create opportunities for promotions and employment.
Also speaking, a representive of the Civil Society Organisation, Mr Richard Inoyo urged the government to take urgent steps to improve the economic situation in the country.
The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions including: “We demand a living wage”, “We demand for our refineries to work in full capacity’, “Tinubu, this is not what you promised, let the poor breathe” amongst others.
