Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has emphasized his unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees, placing it as a paramount concern of his administration. He views this commitment as integral to his broader objective of revitalizing the state’s civil service and enhancing its operational efficiency. This reaffirmation of prioritising worker welfare was made during the swearing-in ceremony of Mr. Orok Okon as the new Head of Service, replacing Dr. Innocent Eteng, who retired on September 18th. Governor Otu underscored the critical role of consistent salary payments, timely promotions, and the ongoing efforts to address outstanding gratuities owed to retirees. He believes these measures are essential for bolstering morale and fostering a productive work environment.
Governor Otu’s vision for the civil service is rooted in its historical significance as the backbone of policy implementation. He recalled a period between 2010 and 2013, which he referred to as the “golden era” of the Cross River civil service. During this time, the state’s civil service was a model of efficiency and effectiveness, attracting delegations from at least eight other states seeking to emulate its structure and operations. The governor expressed his disappointment at the subsequent decline in the service’s performance and articulated his determination to restore its former glory through a series of strategic reforms. This revitalization effort, he emphasized, would be anchored in the principles of professionalism, fairness, competence, and a meritocratic approach to service delivery.
The governor’s directive to the new Head of Service, Mr. Orok Okon, was clear and comprehensive. He tasked Okon with fostering an environment of professionalism, fairness, and competence throughout the civil service. He stressed that all service-related decisions should be guided by equity, merit, and established procedures, rejecting any form of nepotism or bias. Furthermore, the governor emphasized the critical role of modernization and technological advancement in enhancing productivity. He advocated for the adoption of digital tools, meticulous record-keeping, and continuous training programs to equip civil servants with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving environment. This focus on modernization, he believes, is crucial for ensuring the civil service remains responsive and effective in meeting the needs of the state’s citizens.
Mr. Okon, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for the governor’s confidence in his abilities and pledged his unwavering commitment to implementing the administration’s reform agenda. He assured the governor that the directives would be meticulously followed and promised a forthcoming detailed briefing to the State Executive Council outlining the specifics of the reform plan. This briefing will serve as a roadmap for the revitalization process, outlining key objectives, strategies, and timelines. Okon further pledged to work closely with permanent secretaries and directors to ensure a collaborative and unified approach to implementing the reforms.
Recognizing the existing challenges within the civil service, Mr. Okon maintained an optimistic outlook, emphasizing the presence of a significant number of dedicated and hardworking officers. He believes that with adequate support and recognition, these individuals can be instrumental in driving the desired transformation. This recognition of the existing workforce’s potential underscores the governor’s and the new Head of Service’s belief in the inherent strength and resilience of the civil service. By empowering and motivating these officers, they aim to create a positive and productive work environment that fosters excellence and innovation.
In conclusion, the swearing-in of Mr. Orok Okon as the new Head of Service marks a significant step in Governor Otu’s vision for a revitalized and more efficient civil service in Cross River State. This vision is underpinned by a dual commitment to enhancing worker welfare and implementing comprehensive reforms. The governor’s emphasis on fairness, professionalism, and meritocracy, coupled with his focus on modernization through digitization and continuous training, signals a clear direction for the future of the civil service. Mr. Okon’s acceptance of this challenge and his commitment to collaborative implementation suggest a promising path towards achieving the governor’s ambitious goals and restoring the Cross River civil service to its former glory. The success of this endeavor will rely heavily on the combined efforts of the government, the new Head of Service, and the dedicated civil servants who are the engine of the state’s administration.
