Cross Riverians have reacted to the press release issued by the Head of Service, Dr Innocent Eteng, banning the operation of the usage of WhatsApp (groups) by Civil and Public Servants in the state.
The statement, which was made available to CONVERSEER on Monday, said workers shall not operate or use any WhatsApp platform(s) not approved by the Head of Service.
Eteng, who was reacting to a purported group called Cross River State Civil Service Forum, said any union or group not recognised by the law is disbanded, adding that erring staff shall take disciplinary action.
“The attention of the Government of Cross River State has been drawn to the illegal creation of an obnoxious platform christened “Cross River State Civil Service Forum” by some aggrieved Civil Servants.
“Against this backdrop, all Civil/Public Servants in Cross River State and the General Public are by this notice reminded that any Association Union or Group of persons not recognised by law is prohibited and hereby disbanded with immediate effect.
“While the Government respects the citizens’ right to freedom of association and assembly, it shall, however, not tolerate the operation of groups within the Civil/Public Service that tend to constitute a nuisance to the present administration by whatever guise.
“Accordingly, Civil/Public Servants are enjoined to identify with approved recognised Labour Unions/Associations in the service to channel their grievances (if any), instead of creating new splinter groups. For the avoidance of doubt, the said platform as aforesaid or any other is not approved or authorised by the Head of Service.
“Please be warned as the Office of the Head of Service shall not hesitate to institute appropriate disciplinary action against any erring staff,” the statement read.
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Reacting, Cross Riverians asked if the state is governed by the military.
“Even Abacha could not have issued this kind of press release if he was alive,” Atim said.
Another said, “So people no longer have freedom in this country. This is sad for people working tirelessly to feed politicians and their children, being treated like slaves.”