Cross River State Government has paid five months of salary arrears owed workers of the Obudu Ranch Resort following their protest on July 1.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr Sunday Michael.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the payment of the arrears is contained in a press statement by the Special Adviser the Governor on Obudu Ranch Resort, Mr Sunday Michael, the workers’ alerts on the payment started dropping on Wednesday following approval by Governor Bassey Otu.

While noting that outstanding allowances were also included in the payment, Michael asserted that the governor has always prioritized the welfare of workers in the state employment.

He said the governor’s intervention was timely and in line with his “People First” agenda.

According to him, the payment follows the express directive of the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Otu, for the immediate clearance of all salary arrears owed to workers of the Resort.

“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.”

For many of the workers, the payment comes as a huge relief to families who have had to cope with financial pressure in recent months.

The Special Adviser further noted that the governor has also directed management to ensure that payment of salaries going forward remains regular and prompt to prevent a recurrence of backlogs.

He urged staff to reciprocate the gesture with increased commitment, professionalism, and dedication to duty as the state government continues efforts to reposition Obudu Ranch Resort as a leading tourism destination.

“This administration believes that when workers are happy, service improves, and when service improves, tourism thrives. We expect to see this reflected in the quality of hospitality at the Ranch from today onward,” he added.

The government reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of all civil and public servants, and to the full revival of Obudu Ranch Resort as a pride of the state and a hub for economic opportunities.

A Staff, Ms Unimashi Adah expressed appreciation to Governor Otu for remembering them and for prioritizing workers’ welfare.

It would be recalled that the workers had on July 1 staged a peaceful protest over the non-payment of the five months salary arrears.