In a bid to ensure that all members of his government earn a decent income, Cross River Governor, Ben Ayade has slashed 80 percent off his salary.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Mrs Rosemary Archibong, who addressed newsmen at the Ernest Etim Press Centre in the state capital, Calabar on Tuesday, accompanied by other commissioners.
She said the Deputy Governor, Prof Iyara Esu, and the 28 commissioners in the state executive council have also agreed to take a 20 percent pay cut towards the end, The Nation reports.
The Commissioner for Finance, Asuquo Ekpenyong, however refused to divulge the exact amount of their salary and what they would be losing by taking the pay cut, stating that their salaries are set by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).
Explaining the reason for the pay cut, the Commissioner for Information said: “Everyone should support the lofty vision of the governor. Instead of few people in government earning so much, better for many to earn little. This is done so as not to put extra burden on the budget of the state.
“We are working in the cabinet to ensure the lives of Cross Riverians are better. We are corruption fighters; hence the question of dipping our hands into other sources does not arise. We are proven men and women of integrity.”
She said the pay cut had been backdated to November 2015, when the commissioners were sworn in.