Obudu Mountain Resort workers cry for help over unpaid salaries, entitlements
Employees of the Obudu Mountain Resort in Cross River State have come forward to express their grievances regarding the non-payment of their salaries and entitlements by the previous administration led by Senator Ben Ayade.
Some of the workers, on Friday within the jurisdictions of the Resort who also wish to remain anonymous, revealed their frustration and disappointment over the lack of payment of their salaries, leave grants, and other entitlements by the state government.
It has been reported that the current administration, led by Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu, has taken steps to address this issue by approving the release of funds to clear the debt.
However, there are concerns that some individuals within the government are engaging in selective justice when it comes to the payment of workers at the Obudu Mountain Resort.
The resort, once a thriving tourism destination, experienced significant revenue losses due to political interference, leading to its eventual collapse.
The mismanagement of funds meant for the resort has resulted in leaking roofs in apartments and resort staff having to use their own personal funds to provide meals for guests.
The situation was further exacerbated by the Ayade administration, which attempted to disband the workforce and transfer employees to various local government areas.
This move received mixed responses from the workers, with some accepting the transfers and others refusing.
“On behalf of our colleagues I wish to express in strong terms, that we are not happy, we are frustrated, we are disappointed over the non payment of our salaries and entitlement, even our leave grants hasn’t been paid over those period, how then can we continue to work without payments, so with due respect I want to appeal to the government to clear off our entitlement” one of the worker lament.
Also lamented, one of the workers who spoke with the journalists who would not want his name mention in the news opined that, “We were informed that the 65 million Naira first tranche was released last year to commence the payment but sadly 68 of us who accepted the posting to the local government areas were not paid”.
“We also heard that the second tranche has been released to offset the 2018 payment in full but we are still in the boat floating backward without a rudder”
Tragically, some workers left their positions voluntarily, while others lost their lives during this turbulent period.
Recognizing the dire circumstances, the current administration has intervened to address the salary arrears.
It is reported that a first tranche of 65 million was released last year, but 68 workers who were posted to local government areas still remain unpaid, causing further distress.
Despite reports of a second tranche being released, the 68 affected workers have yet to receive compensation.
There are rumors that the funds were entrusted to the Ministry of Tourism, but attempts to seek clarification from the Commissioner for Tourism, Hon. Abubakar Ewa, have been met with unfulfilled promises of an audience.
The delay in payments has raised concerns among the workers, with speculation that the removal of their names from the payment list could indicate a search for replacements.
This has added to the already uncertain situation at the Obudu Mountain Resort, causing further distress for the affected employees.
In light of these challenges, the workers are appealing to Governor Sen. Prince Bassey Otu to intervene and ensure that they receive their salaries and entitlements without any further delay.
They emphasize that they are suffering and struggling to make ends meet without any other source of income or livelihood.
The workers express their loyalty and dedication to their work and express their desire to see the resort restored to its former glory.
The Obudu Mountain Resort has long been regarded as a prominent tourist destination in Cross River State, attracting visitors from all over the country and internationally.
However, the mismanagement and non-payment of staff have significantly impacted the once-thriving resort.
It is crucial for the current administration to address these issues promptly and transparently to restore confidence and ensure the well-being of the workers at the Obudu Mountain Resort.
