…Tasks Civil Servants on Discipline, Productivity
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountability, discipline, and productivity across the local government system, as he formally commissioned the newly completed Local Government Service Commission Complex in Calabar.
The project, originally initiated over a decade ago under former Governor Liyel Imoke, had been stalled for years until construction resumed in 2023. Now fully completed, it stands as a testament to Governor Otu’s pledge not to abandon inherited projects.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Otu announced that his administration has already completed about 40 percent of previously abandoned government projects, laying what he described as “a firm foundation for sustainable economic growth.”
He emphasized that beyond infrastructure, his government is determined to sanitize the public service and uplift the welfare of civil servants. He charged workers to match government’s efforts with increased productivity and integrity, particularly in tackling entrenched challenges like ghost workers.
“We will continue to play our part as a responsible government,” Governor Otu declared. “But we also expect you, the workforce, to rise to the occasion. Let our efforts inspire renewed dedication. We are working toward ensuring gratuities are paid within one week of retirement, but the persistent issue of ghost workers continues to hinder our progress.”
Describing the Local Government Service Commission as “one of the most neglected institutions in the state,” Governor Otu said its revival is part of a wider initiative to rehabilitate abandoned infrastructure and restore functionality to critical arms of governance.
Representing the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Felix Idem, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Caro Asikpo, praised the new edifice as a beacon of hope and institutional renewal.
“This facility is more than just a structure—it is a symbol of purposeful leadership and administrative rebirth,” she said. “It represents hope, aspiration, and a clear call to duty.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Darlington Bassey, applauded the Governor’s vision and proactive leadership, noting that the project reflects a shift from rhetoric to results.
“We’ve always known His Excellency to be a man of action, going back to his days in the National Assembly,” Bassey said. “This is not just a legacy—it’s a mandate. So far, we’ve uncovered over 200 ghost workers in the system, and we are taking decisive steps to clean it up. For the first time in years, local government administration is being restored to its rightful place. We are proud landlords, ready to serve.”
In a show of deference to elder statesmanship, Governor Otu granted the honour of cutting the ceremonial tape to former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Col. PAM Ogar (Rtd.), completing the official unveiling of the complex.
The commissioning marks a critical milestone in the implementation of the Governor’s “People First” agenda, reinforcing his administration’s promise to rebuild governance institutions and promote a culture of transparency, excellence, and service in Cross River State.
