By Damilola Olufemi, PUNCH Newspaper
The Governor of Cross River State, Ben Ayade, on Tuesday, said payment of salaries and pensions is an achievement of any government, particularly his administration.
He said this while responding to questions on Arise Television’s “The Morning Show”. He said while Cross River receives the least in terms of federal allocation, it ranks number one when it comes to commitment and payment of salaries and pensions to workers.
He added that payment of salaries and pensions is more important than any other project a government can embark on.
He said, “What is the point of building a skyscraper when your people and citizens are poor? I am a son of a civil servant. My father retired as a civil servant. So, I know that salary and pension are far more critical than any other project.
“The citizens of this country matter more than building massive projects when your people are poor. And I can tell you Cross River State ranks number one in terms of commitment of salaries and pensions yet we are number 36 in terms of federal allocation.”
Ayade added that he had paid 36 months of salaries and arrears inherited from the previous administration.
He said, “Let me tell you, I inherited, for example, 36 months of salary debt and arrears and I cleared that. And you think that is not big news?
“You think Cross River state with the lowest allocation in the country is not owing salaries, and pensions are not big news? Please go to other states and check states that earn far more than I do and still owe salaries.”