.says ” Such a situation where those who worked for 35years would die without their Entitlements will not continue henceforth”
The Governor of Cross River State,Senator Bassey Otu says he is ready to clear the backlog of over N24BILLION outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants since 2014.
The Governor who made this known while swearing in the new Head of Service, Dr Innocent Ebri Eteng, on Wednesday expressed dismay over the situation where someone would work for 34 years, paid all the contributory pensions and retire without receiving his entitlements.
“We will not want such a situation to continue again in this state. Such a situation where those who worked for 35 years would die without their entitlements, will not continue henceforth.
” I want to assure Cross River people that before the year 2023 ends, my government will offset outstanding gratuities and pensions,” he stated.
He disclosed that the appointment of Dr Eteng as Head of Service had no political coloration but by virtue of civil service rule adding that
Eteng was the most senior permanent secretary in the state civil service and was well qualified and experienced.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. You have come in at a time when the state civil service is at precarious level; where very large number of civil servants are returning at end of year. Of course, we are looking at how to retain some of them.
“As you know, civil service is the engine room of government. We will want you to make it better and a smart one. You will follow laid down civil service procedures to reposition the service,” he told Eteng.
In his response, the new Head of Service lauded Gov Otu for his appointment,describing the Governor as “detribalised and a stickler for excellence.”
