Cross River State governor, Bassey Otu, has restated his administration’s commitment to restoring the glory of the Cross River State Civil Service. He additionally has expressed a firm assurance to continue offsetting outstanding gratuities of retirees.
Otu made this disclosure on Monday at the swearing-in of the new Head of Service of Cross River State, Orok Okon, at Government House, Calabar.
Describing the Civil Service as the “superstructure” for implementation of government policies, Otu recalled that in her golden years, between 2010 and 2013, no fewer than eight states visited Cross River to understudy its organic structure and operational efficiency. Lamenting the decline that followed shortly, he assured that his administration is committed to restoring its lost glory.
“As we reposition the Civil Service, my administration will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare. Monthly salary payment remains sacrosanct, promotions are being implemented as and when due, the yearly incremental step has been restored after eleven years, and, very importantly, we have put plans in place to continue defraying outstanding retirees’ gratuities,” he stated.
He further charged the new Head of Service to entrench professionalism, fairness, and competence across the workforce, stressing the importance of proper record-keeping, digitization, and continuous staff training. Service delivery, the governor insisted, must be driven by equity, qualification, and due process rather than nepotism or bias.
The new Head of Service, in his response, expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in him.
“The charge you have given me, both publicly and privately, shall be carried out to the letter with your support, as usual,” Okon assured.
He promised to soon brief the State Executive Council on details of the reform agenda for the Civil Service and pledged close collaboration with Permanent Secretaries and Directors. While acknowledging that a few challenges remain, he maintained that the service is still largely filled with diligent and hardworking officers who will be supported and rewarded.
“I thank Your Excellency, I thank everyone, and I say God bless this administration and God bless Cross River State,” the new Head of Service, concluded.
