Cross River gov swears in new Head of Service

 Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has sworn in the new Head of Service; Barr. Orok Okon, reaffirming his administration’s determination to restore the pride of the Cross River State Civil Service. 

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Monday in Calabar, Governor Otu assured civil servants of continued offsetting of outstanding retirees’ gratuities.

Barr. Orok’s appointment as Head of Civil Service on September 19 followed the retirement of Dr. Innocent Eteng the previous day, paving the way for his elevation as Head of Service.

Describing the Civil Service as the “superstructure” for implementing government policies, Governor Otu recalled its golden years when, between 2010 and 2013, no fewer than eight states visited Cross River to understudy its organic structure and operational efficiency. 

He lamented the decline that followed but assured that his administration was committed to restoring its lost glory.

Otu said, “As we reposition the Civil Service, my administration will continue to prioritize workers’ welfare. Monthly salary payment remains sacrosanct, promotions are being implemented as and when due, the yearly incremental step has been restored after eleven years, and, very importantly, we have put plans in place to continue defraying outstanding retirees’ gratuities."

He further charged the new Head of Service to entrench professionalism, fairness, and competence across the workforce. He stressed the importance of proper record-keeping, digitization, and continuous staff training, noting that service delivery must be driven by equity, qualification, and due process rather than nepotism or bias.

In his response, Barr. Orok Okon expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to fully implement the Governor’s charge.

“The charge you have given me shall be carried out to the letter with your support as usual,” he assured.

Okon promised to soon brief the State Executive Council on details of the reform agenda for the Civil Service and pledged close collaboration with Permanent Secretaries and Directors. While acknowledging that a few challenges remain, he maintained that the service is still largely filled with diligent and hardworking officers who will be supported and rewarded.