By Musa Yaro, Calabar
The Cross River Governor, Bassey Otu, has promised to increase the salaries of civil and public servants in the state.
Otu disclosed this during an interactive session with Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), in his office in Calabar.
He maintained that the gesture will also boost the morale of workers in the state.
“We know very well, the general complaint amongst civil servants is that they are not well taken care of nor being properly carried along in the business of governance.
“Let me assure you that the story is going to change during the life span of my administration.
“As a matter of fact, we are going to increase the salaries of civil/public servants, pay all their legitimate allowances as well as ensure adequate improvement on their welfare,” the governor said.
Otu reasoned that the welfare of civil and public servants remains paramount, hence his administration will strive towards achieving the target so set, for optimum service rendition.
The governor admonished the state workforce to keep their hands on the plow as to whom much is given, much is also expected.
“We will demand a lot from you to deliver on our mandate of transforming the socio-economic landscape of the state as we improve on your welfare.
“Be prepared that when implemented, you will only know the time you report to work but won’t know the closing time because there is so much to be done to reclaim our lost glory,” he informed.
The governor explained that measures have been put in place to address all issues of indiscipline and official recklessness including issues confronting the judiciary, to reposition it for maximum service delivery.
He solicited for an extension of the supports accorded the previous administrations in the state which helped in the delivery of effective and efficient services for the betterment of Cross Riverians.
“Cross River was once a great state in this country. History has it that the first set of Europeans berthed in the state and we have been ranked first in so many spheres of life over time, but the reverse is the case today.
“I urge you all to fold your sleeves and be ready to take back that glory as we reposition the state for the overall wellbeing of our people,” the governor stated.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, represented by Permanent Secretary of the General Service Administration, Dr. Innocent Eteng, praised Otu for placing top priority on the welfare of civil and public servants in his administration and promised that the workforce would repose the confidence in its day-to-day discharge of assigned duties.
“Your excellency, you have often made it very clear that government’s policies must be implemented to achieve positive dividends.
“You have also warned clearly that there will be no more flouting of government directives henceforth, and it is based on these that we are all gathered to interact and rub minds on how best to move our dear state to a higher height,” Owan-Enoh said.
