Ayade threatens demotion of Perm Sec, others over failure to pay council workers

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local government Affairs and others to pay workers salary before the end of yesterday or face severe disciplinary action.

Ayade, who was displeased by the delay despite making fund available since first week of November, threatened to take drastic action that could lead to demotion of the Permanent Secretary and others involved.

Ayade gave the directive yesterday in a press statement signed by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Christian Ita and issued it to journalists in Calabar.
 
The statement reads: “The state governor, His Excellency, Sir Ben Ayade has directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government Affairs, the Auditor-General for Local Governments, the Director of Administration and the Director of Accounts to ensure that local government workers are paid their salaries before the end of today, Friday, December 20, 2019 or face severe disciplinary actions.

“His Excellency is displeased that in spite of making funds available for the payment of local government workers salaries since the first week of November, the workers were yet to get paid.“He has therefore, charged the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government, the Auditor-General of Local Government, the Director of Administration and Director of Accounts to ensure local government workers receive their salaries today.“Failure to achieve this mandate will attract dire disciplinary measures, including demotions.”