My govt. will pay outstanding N24bn gratuities, pensions, owed retirees before Christmas – Gov Otu

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has pledged once more that he will pay up overdue N24 billion gratuities and pensions owed retirees in the state since 2014 before the year ends.

Dr Innocent Eteng, a former permanent secretary in the office of the Secretary to the State Government, was sworn in as the Head of Service by the governor.

When Governor Otu observed his first 100 days in office in September 2023, he stated that he was working with a few banks to pay up the N24 billion in outstanding gratuities.

He expressed regret over the government’s obligation to citizens who worked hard for 35 years for succeeding generations and will retire to their homes without benefits, despite having paid contributing 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 want to assure that before the year 2023 ends, my government will offset outstanding gratuities and pensions to our fathers.”

Otu said the appointment of Dr Eteng as head of service, was by virtue of civil service rule and not as a political engineering.

He affirmed that Eteng was the most senior Permanent Secretary in the state civil service and was well-qualified and experienced.

He disclosed that most of his appointees are round pegs in round holes and well qualified.

He cautioned Eteng to see all Cross Riverians as his brothers and should not give room for tribalism and nepotism, asking him to reposition the civil service even as many would be retiring at the end of the year.

“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 said the governor is detribalised and a stickler for excellence and announced that, as will be approved by the governor, he will immediately embark on reforms with the aim 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 different Oaths, including oath of office, allegiance and renunciation of secret cults and fraternity, if any.