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The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Cross River State Chapter and Chairman of Yakurr Local Government Area, Hon. Yibala Igri Inyang, has described the restoration of about 3,000 Local Government workers to the state payroll by Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu as one of the most intentional, humane and democratic gestures since the creation of Cross River State.

Hon. Inyang, speaking on behalf of the 18 Local Government Chairmen in the state, said the Governor’s intervention after an extensive engagement with Organised Labour at the Executive Council Chamber, Calabar, reflects a leadership temperament that balances reform with empathy.

He noted that while the administration remains committed to correcting anomalies and enthroning due process in the public service, Governor Otu has demonstrated that correction must not become condemnation, and that sons and daughters of Cross River who have already invested two years of livelihood in the system cannot be cut off without recourse to conscience.

He conveyed the profound appreciation and admiration of the entire council leadership to His Excellency for his sincerity of purpose, describing him as a development-friendly leader and an uncommon builder of human capital whose actions will inscribe his administration in the annals of the state’s public service history.

For the local government system, which is the closest tier to the people, the decision has restored confidence, stabilized homes, and reaffirmed the dignity of labour, he stated.

The ALGON Chairman however charged the reinstated officers and the entire local government workforce across the 18 councils that reciprocity to the Governor’s magnanimity can only be expressed in dexterity, steadfastness and faithful delivery of their constitutional administrative mandate.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he stressed, adding that the second chance must birth stronger commitment, discipline, punctuality, productivity and an upscale of the public service to meet the overall objectives of government.

Hon. Inyang further appealed for concerted efforts towards building the new Cross River of collective dreams, in line with the vision of the founding fathers at the creation of the state in 1967.

He observed that Governor Otu has laid the real foundation for a productive economy beyond hand-to-mouth existence, through infrastructure renewal, investment drive, human capacity strengthening and prudent management of inherited obligations despite monthly fiscal pressures, and therefore requires maximum cooperation from both labour and council administrators to rebuild Cross River on the principles of fairness and shared responsibility.

He said the gesture has also reinforced public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections, noting that the onus lies on Cross Riverians not to change a winning team.

“When a leader shows that governance is about people and not just figures, it is only fair and just that such goodwill be reciprocated with loyalty, support and continuity at the polls, as the state consolidates its path to sustainable growth,” he said.

While pledging the unalloyed loyalty of the 18 Local Government Councils to the People First agenda of the administration, Hon. Inyang assured that the councils will align fully with the rebuilding architecture, strengthen internally generated revenue, deepen grassroots participation and ensure that the dividends of democracy trickle down to wards and communities without exception.