CROSS RIVER GOVERNOR OTU SWEARS IN NEW HEAD OF SERVICE, VOWS TO RESTORE CIVIL SERVICE PRIDE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has sworn in the new Head of Service, Orok Okon, with a pledge to restore the pride and efficiency of the state’s civil service.
The ceremony, held on Monday in Calabar, followed Okon’s appointment on September 19 after the retirement of his predecessor, Innocent Eteng.
Governor Otu described the civil service as the “superstructure” for implementing government policies, recalling its glory years between 2010 and 2013 when eight states visited Cross River to understudy its operational efficiency. He lamented the decline that followed but assured workers that his administration is determined to revive the system.
“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 said.
The governor further tasked the new Head of Service to entrench professionalism, fairness, proper record-keeping, digitisation, and continuous staff training, stressing that equity, qualification, and due process not nepotism or bias must drive service delivery.
In his response, Okon expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in him, pledging full implementation of the reform agenda.
“The charge you have given me shall be carried out to the letter with your support as usual,” he said.
He promised to soon brief the State Executive Council on the reform plans for the civil service and assured close collaboration with permanent secretaries and directors. Okon added that despite a few challenges, the civil service remains filled with hardworking officers who will be supported and rewarded.
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