We need N54 billion to settle outstanding promotion arrears – Gov Otu

 

… informs of plan to revisit Bakassi issue

The newly sworn-in Governor of Cross River State Bassey Otu has disclosed that the state government requires N54 billion to settle over seven years of promotion arrears of civil servants in the state.

Otu made this known in his inaugural address as the 18th Governor of Cross River State on Monday in Calabar.

He also said his administration has the plan to seek for a review of the Bakassi issue.

The governor added that he would restructure the huge debt it inherited and implement very realistic budget throughout its tenure.

Otu expressed his desire to hit-the-ground-running stressing that he is in a hurry to improve the living standard of the people.

The governor who informed of his strategic road map aimed at guiding his actions, promised to stamp out criminality in the state.

According to him, “We are excited to be here at a time like this; for champions are made in trying moments.

“We are confident and determined to restructure our huge debt stock while strengthening our fiscal posture.

“We hope to engage with the labour unions dispassionately on the feasible and sustainable paths for dealing with our depleting civil service, given that over 75 per cent of our manpower will be retiring before December, 2024.

“The same worrisome narrative applies to the backlog of staff promotion with corresponding severance burden in excess of N54 billion,” he stated.

Continuing, he emphasised that safety, peaceful co-existence, and security would be the major pillars of the administration.

“For the few who take pride in criminality,” the governor warned, “there shall be no hiding place and only two options are on the table: turn a new leaf within our upcoming amnesty window or vacate Cross River State without delay.

“Our administration shall have zero tolerance for criminality in whatever form or shade.

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