Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has reiterated that the welfare of workers and retirees will remain a top priority of his administration, even as he moves to reposition the state’s civil service for greater efficiency.
Speaking on Monday in Calabar while swearing in Mr. Orok Okon as the new Head of Service, Otu assured that his government would not relent in offsetting outstanding retirees’ gratuities, restoring confidence in the workforce, and sustaining prompt payment of monthly salaries.
Orok’s appointment, which took effect on September 19, followed the retirement of his predecessor, Dr. Innocent Eteng, on September 18.
The governor described the civil service as the “superstructure” for policy implementation, recalling its golden era between 2010 and 2013 when no fewer than eight states visited Cross River to understudy its organic structure and operational efficiency. He lamented the decline that followed in subsequent years but pledged to restore its lost glory through reforms.
“As we reposition the civil service, my administration will continue to prioritise 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,” Otu stated.
He charged the new Head of Service to entrench professionalism, fairness, and competence across the workforce, stressing that service delivery must be guided by equity, qualification, and due process rather than nepotism or bias. He also underscored the importance of digitisation, proper record-keeping, and continuous training to boost productivity.
In his remarks, Mr. Okon thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to faithfully drive the administration’s reform agenda.
“The charge you have given me 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 plan and pledged close collaboration with permanent secretaries and directors. While admitting that some challenges persist, he stressed that the civil service still boasts a large pool of diligent and hardworking officers who deserve support and recognition.
Emem Julius, PunchNG
