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By David Odama
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called for renewed discipline, accountability, and productivity within the state’s local government system as he commissioned the newly completed Local Government Service Commission Complex in Calabar.
The project, which was originally initiated over a decade ago during the administration of former Governor Liyel Imoke, resumed in 2023 and has now been completed and commissioned within two years of Governor Otu’s tenure.
Governor Otu in a statement by his Choef press secretary, Nsa Gill reiterated that no project would be abandoned under his administration. He revealed that his government has already completed about 40 percent of previously abandoned projects and continues to lay a strong foundation for economic growth across the state.
The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of workers while sanitizing the public service. He charged civil servants to reciprocate the government’s investment by promoting efficiency and eliminating systemic issues such as the proliferation of ghost workers.
“We will continue to play our part as a responsible government,” Governor Otu affirmed. “But we also expect you, the workforce, to rise to the occasion. Let our efforts motivate you to be more committed and productive. We are working toward ensuring that gratuities are paid within one week of retirement, but the persistent issue of ghost workers continues to hinder our progress.”
Governor Otu described the Local Government Service Commission as one of the most neglected institutions in the state and stated that its rehabilitation is part of a broader initiative to revitalize abandoned government infrastructure across the State.
Representing the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Chief Felix Idem, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Caro Asikpo, commended the project, describing the new complex as a beacon of institutional revival and a reflection of purposeful leadership.
“This facility is more than just a building; it is a powerful symbol of the administration’s determination to restore excellence and integrity to the civil service,” she said. “It represents hope, aspiration, and a call to duty.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Hon. Darlington Bassey, lauded the Governor for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to institutional development.
“We have always known His Excellency as a man of action, right from his days in the House of Representatives,” Bassey stated. “This project is not just a legacy—it is a challenge to do more. Already, we have uncovered over 200 ghost workers in the system, and we are taking decisive steps to eliminate them. For the first time in many years, local government administration is being restored to its rightful place. We are proud landlords and ready to deliver.”
As a mark of deep respect, Governor Bassey Otu bestowed the honour of cutting the commissioning tape on elder statesman and former Military Administrator of Kwara State, Col. PAM Ogar (Rtd.), thereby completing the official unveiling of the complex.
The commissioning of the complex stands as a significant milestone in the implementation of the Governor’s ‘People First’ agenda, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to reforming governance and promoting a culture of service excellence in Cross River State.
