Ad-hoc Staffers Storm INEC in Cross River To Protest Non-Payment of Wages

Pandemonium broke out in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday afternoon as ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who participated in the conduct of the 2015 general elections stormed the secretariat of the commission in protest over the non-payment of their wages.

Though the protesters were peaceful as they sang and carried placards bearing several protest slogans, they were confronted by gun-wielding policemen as they approached the main entrance gate leading into the secretariat of the INEC in the town.

In the confrontation that ensured between both parties, the police fired gun shots and released tear-gas canisters at the protesters causing pandemonium in the secretariat and its immediate vicinity.

However, the protesters who were composed mainly of post-graduate students of the University of Calabar, stood their grounds, demanding that their monies be paid for the work they have done.

Spokesperson of the protesting ad- hoc staff, Mr Odey Pascal, who was addressed journalists in the already tensed atmosphere outside the secretariat said: “We worked for INEC during the elections. We did the Presidential and National Assembly as well as the Governorship and House of Assembly elections. Unfortunately, we have not been paid until now. We came some days ago and met with the Resident Electoral (Officer) Commissioner (REC), here and he advised that he would get all names to ensure that we are paid. But, until now we have not been paid.

This is up to a month now. “Some of us worked as presiding officers, some were assistant presiding officers and so on. Those of us who worked so hard have not been paid.

“When we met with the REC last week, he told us he was going to have a meeting with some of his officials and the list would be submitted for him to pay. But unfortunately, a list came out today that some people had problems with their accounts, which is not true. My account for instance has been functional for years. It is unfair. We had met with the REC and he promised to do something about it. He said before Wednesday we would be paid and today is Wednesday and we still have not been paid. What we are asking now is for the presidential election. But as time goes on, we would also have to get our money for the governorship election. But if they can pay both at once it would be better."

The protesters condemned the police for using force on them despite the fact that they were on peaceful demonstration over their unpaid entitlements.