C’River Ex-LG Officials Plan Protest Over Unpaid Entitlements
By Hannah Arikpo
Aggrieved former elected and political office holders across the 18 local government areas of Cross River State have announced plans to stage a three day peaceful protest over unpaid allowances and severance packages.
The affected officials, who served under former governor Ben Ayade between 2020 and 2023, include ex council chairmen, vice chairmen, councillors, and other political appointees.
They expressed frustration over what they described as prolonged neglect and failure to pay their entitlements despite several appeals to relevant authorities since leaving office.
In a statement jointly signed by the forum’s Chairman, Dr Bassey Tom, and Secretary General, Ibor Bassey Oka, the group said the protest date would be announced later.
The statement disclosed that the demonstration is planned to take place at the residence of the former governor, urging him to take responsibility for settling the outstanding payments.
“Our entitlements are not privileges but statutory rights tied to the service we rendered to the state,” the statement said.
It added, “We served Cross River State diligently and in good faith. It is unjust and disheartening that after contributing our quota to grassroots governance, we are left without our rightful benefits. This protest is driven by necessity and the pursuit of justice.”
The forum noted that many of its members are facing hardship due to the delay in payment.
It stressed that the planned protest would be peaceful and lawful, aimed at drawing public attention to their demands, while calling on stakeholders, civil society organisations, and the public to support their cause.
The group also warned that continued inaction could heighten tension, adding that although it remains open to dialogue, it will not relent in its demand for the payment of all outstanding entitlements.
