Local Government Service in Cross River Gets Major Boost Under Governor Otu’s Administration
Local Government Service in Cross River Gets Major Boost Under Governor Otu’s Administration
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, Mr Darlington Bassey Eyo, has commended Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu for transforming the local government system through deliberate and people-centred policies that have significantly improved productivity, welfare, and infrastructure within the service.
According to a detailed report monitored by Akahi News, Mr Eyo made the disclosure while addressing members of the Support Group Inter-Party Forum—a socio-political coalition comprising members from various political backgrounds—who paid him a solidarity visit at the Commission’s headquarters in Calabar.
Governor Otu’s Reforms Transform Local Government System
Mr Eyo explained that Governor Otu’s administration has, in just two years, redefined the structure and morale of workers in the local government system. He listed key reforms that have “injected a new lease of life into the service”, including:
- Improved conditions of service for local government employees.
- Provision of a conducive and fully equipped working environment.
- Prompt payment of gratuities to retirees after years of delay.
- Creation of new administrative departments to enhance efficiency.
- Upgrading the Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) to a status equal to that of a Permanent Secretary.
- Recruitment of new staff into the service to fill critical manpower gaps.
According to Akahi News, these initiatives have not only boosted staff morale but also restored confidence in local governance as the first tier of democratic administration closest to the people.
A Governor Committed to Action, Not Promises
Mr Eyo recalled that one of Governor Otu’s earliest commitments after assuming office was to end the Commission’s long-standing accommodation challenge.
“When His Excellency came on board, this Local Government Service Commission building had been abandoned for over 15 to 20 years. We wrote to him about the embarrassment of paying rent for several offices, some of which were in poor condition. He immediately took action, and within one year, this magnificent office complex was completed,” he stated.
The chairman further revealed that, for years, government agencies had wasted huge sums on rent and sometimes faced eviction threats due to unpaid arrears. However, under the current administration, that burden has been eliminated, saving the state millions of naira annually.
Akahi News gathered that the new edifice has become a one-stop office complex for all Commission activities, improving coordination, accessibility, and service delivery.
Support Group Hails Governor Otu’s Leadership
During the visit, the State Chairman of the Support Group Inter-Party Forum, Comrade Ani Akak, lauded Governor Otu for his inclusive style of governance and visionary leadership, which, he said, has brought peace, stability, and renewed development to Cross River State.
Akak explained that the group—made up of passionate citizens from different political parties—was formed to support Governor Otu’s policies and ensure continuity of his administration’s developmental agenda.
“We have chosen to come together, irrespective of political affiliation, to support the governor’s progressive vision. We are impressed with the calibre of people he has appointed, especially Mr Darlington Bassey, whose leadership has brought remarkable improvement to the Local Government Service Commission,” Akak said.
He further disclosed that the group had unanimously declared its support for Governor Otu’s re-election bid in 2027, describing him as “a leader with a heart for service and a track record of results.”
Forum Members Pledge Continued Support
Members of the Support Group Inter-Party Forum who accompanied Akak include Pastor Essien Oku (popularly known as Network, Director of Mobilization and Election Committee), Hon. Hellen Ukpon Ita (Women Leader), Rev. Inyang Nya (BOT Secretary), and Comrade Abuo Stephen Bechi, who doubles as Director-General of CRS Optimistic Union (CRSOUN) and Representative of the Northern Senatorial District in the state.
The delegation reiterated their collective resolve to continue mobilising support for the Otu administration, praising the governor for his humility, accessibility, and unwavering commitment to good governance.
According to Akahi News, the group described Governor Otu as “the most people-oriented leader in the state’s recent history,” citing his achievements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and rural development.
Strengthening the Grassroots for Sustainable Growth
In his concluding remarks, Mr Eyo reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to uphold professionalism and accountability within the local government system, pledging continued loyalty to the state government’s policies.
He noted that the local government remains the foundation of governance, and by empowering it, the Otu administration is laying the groundwork for sustainable development across the 18 Local Government Areas of Cross River State.
“Our governor has proven that leadership is not about slogans but about real action. He has restored pride to the local government service, and we are ready to continue delivering results under his visionary direction,” Eyo concluded.
The transformation of the Cross River State Local Government Service stands as a testament to Governor Otu’s “People First” governance philosophy—a vision that prioritises human capital, institutional reform, and grassroots empowerment.
For more verified stories on Cross River politics, governance, and development, visit Akahi News — your reliable source for credible and engaging reports from across Nigeria.
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