Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Otu, says he will renovate the Governor’s office complex and turn it into a 21st Century smart office.
Otu expressed his disappointment at the poor state of the office during an interactive session with staff of the Governor’s Office.
He also said there has to be a temporary relocation of the staff to pave way for total overhauling and proper modernisation of all departments and units.
According to a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche in Calabar, Tuesday, the governor said, “As a matter of fact we deserve to build a brand new one (office complex) but because there are too many competing demands, we will try to remodel this one properly for it to serve the demands of the 21st Century.
“The edifice that we have now has served several administrations and just because of time, we will not be able to do the things we are supposed to do but will do what we can to make it conducive for me and all of you the staff.
“I am looking for a space where the staff could be accommodated so that at least they can renovate this edifice to a 21st Century smart office in line with current realities.
“If we are able to get a place, I think all of us will be involved so that they can start the renovation of this office very quickly.
“It is one of those projects that we are targeting, though I don’t believe in 100 days in office, but for the 100 days in office that we will be doing,” the governor said.
The governor also said he was aware of hardship civil servants are facing due to the subsidy removal and hike in the price of fuel, assuring that plans are on the way to introduce measures that will cushion the effect on their livelihoods.
He solicited their loyalty and cooperation at all times, and charged them to demonstrate greater commitment and dedication for effective and efficient service delivery.
On his part, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, praised the governor for his bold initiative to upgrade the working environment as well as enhanced welfare package for workers in the state, and urged them to reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best.
Earlier in his introductory remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan-Enoh, commended the governor for meeting the staff, a gesture he noted that has not been recorded in the office for over a decade.
Owan-Enoh informed the governor that the staff were eagerly waiting to experience the promised season of sweetness and assured him of their cooperation, loyalty and service at all times.