Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced a new approach to making political appointments in the state. According to Otu, his administration will no longer tolerate the practice of aides nominating their family members for appointments. Instead, the government will rely on lists of eligible persons received from the 196 wards in the state.
The governor made this disclosure while addressing ex-agitators and farmers who had completed training in innovative farming in Calabar. He explained that his government is people-centred and intends to ensure that appointments are spread across all parts of the state. Otu stated that he will personally collect lists of eligible persons from the wards and local government areas, adding that town hall meetings will be held to receive these lists.
This new approach is aimed at increasing transparency and fairness in the appointment process. Otu noted that previous appointments had been marred by the nomination of family members by committee members, a practice he described as unacceptable. The governor emphasized that those seeking appointments should return to their wards and local government areas, as only lists submitted through this process will be considered.
The Cross River State government plans to make more appointments from next month, using the new ward-based system. This move is expected to promote inclusivity and representation in the state’s governance structure. By collecting lists of eligible persons from the grassroots level, the government hopes to tap into the talent and expertise available across the state.
The governor’s announcement is significant, as it marks a shift towards a more decentralized and participatory approach to governance. The use of town hall meetings and ward-level submissions is intended to increase citizen engagement and ensure that the appointment process is more transparent and accountable. As the state prepares for the next round of appointments, it remains to be seen how this new approach will be implemented and what impact it will have on the state’s governance and development.
