NUJ urges Otu’s administration to offset outstanding gratuities of senior citizens

The Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, has called on the administration of Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State to endeavour to offset all outstanding gratuities due to civil servants who left service several years ago and have not been paid their gratuities.

It would be recalled that, soon after assuming office in 2023, Gov. Otu released the sum of ten billion naira to offset part of the obligation, but this was insufficient to defray the backlog.

It is learnt that gratuities due to several senior citizens date back many years.

The Cross River State Council of the NUJ, at its July 2026 Congress, appealed to the state government to expedite the payment of these outstanding gratuities owed to retired public servants.

In its communique released at the end of the congress, it noted that many retirees depend on these benefits for their livelihood.

The council urged the government to sustain its commitment to releasing additional funds to clear the outstanding obligations.

In another call, the congress, presided over by its Chairman, Comrade Archibong Bassey, expressed concern over the increasing cases of reckless driving by some commercial dispatch riders across the state.

It expressed sadness that the recklessness has caused multiple vehicular accidents in the state.

“Congress called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the State Traffic Management Agency, and other relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement of traffic regulations and ensure strict compliance with road safety standards by dispatch riders to reduce avoidable accidents.”