…frowns at indecent dressing
By Frank Ulom
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Government (CRSG) has warned against the unauthorised use of unearned doctorate (PhD), chieftaincy and religious titles by civil and public servants in the state.
According to a Head of Service Circular No. 3/2025, signed by Barr. Orok Bassey Okon, Head of Service of the State, and made available to Converseer on Saturday, any officer found wanting shall be subjected to disciplinary action in line with the Public Service Rules.
The Government also frowned at indecent dressing by officers as it doesn’t conform to the service rules.
The circular reads:
UNAUTHORISED USE OF UNEARNED DOCTORATE TITLES, CHIEFTAINCY/RELIGIOUS TITLES, AND NON-COMPLIANT DRESS CODE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE
The attention of the Office of the Head of Service has been drawn to the increasing incidence of officers in the Cross River State Civil Service parading doctorate (PhD) titles not academically earned; as well as the use of traditional/chieftaincy titles in official communications, records, and correspondence. The Civil Service is governed by rules, standards, and protocols that ensure discipline, uniformity, and professionalism. Accordingly, officers are hereby reminded of the following:
USE OF DOCTORATE TITLES:
Only officers who have academically earned accredited and verifiable doctoral degrees may use the title “Dr”/ “PhD” in all official documents, communication, and identity records. Any officer found using unearned academic titles shall be subjected to disciplinary action in line with the Public Service Rules.
USE OF CHIEFTAINCY, RELIGIOUS AND TRADITIONAL TITLES:
All civil servants are hereby prohibited from using traditional, community-based, faith-based, or honorary titles in the course of official duties or in official documents. Such titles must not appear in: official letters; memos; email signatures; name tags/identity cards; personnel records. Officers are to use only theír officially recognised names as captured in the service records.
DRESS CODE COMPLIANCE:
It has also been observed that some officers attend work in attire that does not reflect the decorum befitting public servants. The following are strictly prohibited within office premises:
FOR FEMALE OFFICERS:
Slippers or bathroom sandals; Short skirts or gowns above knee length, Transparent, revealing, or tight-fitting clothing, including tight trousers, off-shoulder blouses, sleeveless wear.
FOR MALE OFFICERS:
Slippers or bathroom sandals; Jeans trousers, T-shirts, or unbuttoned shirts; Shorts or three-quarter trousers
All officers must appear in formal, decent, and professional attire during working hours, Monday to Friday.
ENFORCEMENT:
All officers are enjoined to uphold the dignity, discipline, and professional standards of the Cross River State Civil Service. Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and Heads of Departments/Units are directed to ensure strict compliance. Non-compliance shall attract sanctions in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
This circular takes immediate effect.
READ ALSO: Otu bags Best Governor in agriculture, food security
