Media Talk Africa: Latest Headlines in Politics, Business, Sports, and More

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has once more vowed he’ll repay outstanding N24 billion gratuities and pensions owed retirees within the state since 2014 earlier than the 12 months ends.

The governor gave the peace of mind when he swore in former everlasting Secretary within the workplace of Secretary to State authorities, Dr Innocent Eteng because the Head of Service.

When he marked his first 100 days in workplace in September 2023, Governor Otu stated he was working with a number of banks to defray the N24 billion outstanding gratuities.

He expressed disappointment over the federal government’s indebtedness to individuals who labored laborious for 35 years for succeeding generations and would retire to their houses with out entitlements even after they had paid contributory pensions.

“A situation where those who worked for 35 years so that we are able to inherit today will die without their entitlements will not continue henceforth.

” I would like to guarantee that earlier than the 12 months 2023 ends, my authorities will offset outstanding gratuities and pensions to our fathers.”

Otu stated the appointment of Dr Eteng as head of service, was by advantage of civil service rule and never as a political engineering.

He affirmed that Eteng was essentially the most senior Permanent Secretary within the state civil service and was well-qualified and skilled.

He disclosed that the majority of his appointees are spherical pegs in spherical holes and nicely certified.

He cautioned Eteng to see all Cross Riverians as his brothers and shouldn’t give room for tribalism and nepotism, asking him to reposition the civil service at the same time as many could be retiring on the finish of the 12 months.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. You have come in at a time when the state civil service is at a precarious level; where a very large number of civil servants are returning at the end of the year. Of course, we are looking at how to retain some of them.

“As you know, civil service is the engine room of the government. We want you to make it better and a smarter one. You will follow laid down civil service procedures to reposition the service.”

Accepting his appointment, Eteng stated the governor is detribalised and a stickler for excellence and introduced that, as can be authorised by the governor, he’ll instantly embark on reforms with the intention of repositioning the state civil service.

“These reforms will be in line with global best practices and civil service rules. I will work conscientiously. ”

Secretary to State Government, Prof Anthony Owan-Eno administered three totally different Oaths, together with oath of workplace, allegiance and renunciation of secret cults and fraternity, if any.