Newly employed local government workers in Cross River State on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Calabar, demanding immediate payment of 11 months’ salary arrears and inclusion on the state payroll after working for nearly a year without pay.
Despite heavy rain, the protesters, drawn from several local government areas, marched through major streets to the Governor’s Office, carrying placards bearing messages such as, “We are suffering,” “Payroll us,” and “We need our salaries,” Punch newspaper reported.
Workers recount hardship
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Uchi Julius said many of the workers, employed in 2025, had resumed duty but were yet to receive salaries despite rendering services for almost a year.
“The prolonged delay has really subjected many workers to severe hardship. Some of us are now struggling to feed our families. Some of us have died during the verification process initiated by the government,” Mr Julius said.
