In a step reflecting a strong resolve towards governance reform, Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State, has called upon the newly inaugurated Local Government Service Commission to uphold their primary responsibility with an unflinching dedication.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the 7-member commission in his temporary office in Calabar, Governor Otu stressed on the critical role of local government in the broader agenda of his administration.
Governor Otu described the inauguration as not just a routine exercise but as an essential step in the strategic direction of his government. “This exercise is politically imperative, socio-economically expedient, and administratively wise,” he said. “I want to welcome all of you to the train, which of course is a government that is delivering to the people what we call the People First Agenda.”
The Governor made it clear that the selection of the commission members was based on a rigorous assessment of merit and experience, ensuring that only those with the necessary commitment and qualities were chosen.
“Your appointment is not just a reward; it is a responsibility. We have carefully selected each of you because we believe you have what it takes to address the challenges facing our local government system,” Otu asserted.
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He did not shy away from highlighting the difficulties that lie ahead, particularly in addressing the longstanding issues within the local government system. “The local government seems to be one of our greatest problems in the system ever since I assumed office as Governor,” Otu remarked, noting that this challenge was a key factor in the meticulous selection process for the commission members.
Otu further stressed the importance of delivering the dividends of democracy through an inclusive government. “We have a major challenge ahead of us: to ensure that we run an inclusive government that carries everyone along,” he stated. “But I’ve discovered that the system is fraught with too many issues, so I do not envy the challenges you are going to face. However, I trust that you will meet these challenges head-on.”
One of the most pressing issues, according to the Governor, is ensuring that gratuities and benefits reach those who are rightfully entitled to them. “We would have started disbursing gratuities by now, but we are encountering serious problems with the local government system. Every time we announce plans, fresh documents emerge, figures escalate, and ghost workers appear. This is a significant problem that needs urgent attention,” Otu explained.
In his concluding remarks, Governor Otu set the tone for the work ethic expected of the commission, indicating that hard work and perseverance will be the hallmarks of this administration. “We work around the clock; we can be called at any time to deliver. We have a very short time left, and we’ve already completed a significant portion of our term. Before you know it, the term will be over, and we must have something tangible to show,” he urged.
Responding to the Governor’s charge, Mr Darlington Bassey, the newly appointed Chairman of the Commission, expressed his deep appreciation for the trust placed in him and his colleagues. “We are fully aware that this commission is the bedrock of the administration. We will indeed come out in our element to deliver on the mandate given to us,” Bassey assured.
He acknowledged the enormity of the task ahead but vowed that the commission would work tirelessly to meet the Governor’s expectations and ensure that the local government system becomes a model of efficiency and transparency.
As the commission members embark on their duties, they do so with the weight of the Governor’s expectations and the hopes of the people of Cross River State on their shoulders.
The success of this commission will be a critical determinant of the effectiveness of Governor Otu’s People First Agenda, a vision that promises to transform local governance and bring tangible benefits to every corner of the state.