Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River has urged labor unions in the state to reconsider their planned strike over the implementation of the new minimum wage.
He assured that his administration is committed to enforcing the recently signed N70,000 minimum wage law by President Bola Tinubu.
The governor made this appeal at the 5th State Solemn Assembly held on Saturday night at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Speaking through his deputy, Dr. Peter Odey, Otu emphasized that his government remains dedicated to prioritizing workers’ welfare in the state.
Labour unions in Cross River had earlier announced a two-day warning strike set to begin at midnight on Sunday.
The unions explained that the planned strike was due to the collapse of negotiations with the state government.
They also warned that the industrial action would escalate into a nationwide strike starting on December 1, in line with the planned directive.
Governor Otu appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to halt their planned strike.
He urged them to collaborate with the government in its efforts to enhance the well-being of the people.
Otu also called on the people of Cross River to continue supporting and praying for the administration to successfully realize its “People First” vision.
