From: Diana Okon-Effiong, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, has greeted the various reform initiatives by the Head of Service of the Federation Alhaji Bukar Aji, to deliver on effective and efficient service to Nigerians.
Imoke, who made his feelings know when he received on a courtesy visit the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties & Inter-governmental Affairs, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, maintained that the move was in line with the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan as they will aid the actualization of the lofty dreams of transforming the country in all sphere.
The governor described the recent directives by the Head of service that Permanent secretaries should go to their respective states of origin to interface with the federal establishments as noble, saying that it will help in cutting down excesses and draw the out stations closer to the top through effective communications enshrined for the desired policy directions as well as enhance full implementation of reforms at the states level.
In his words, “One of the great challenges with our bureaucracy is the fact that we probably do not reform it as often as we ought to. Reform, I believe is something that should be constant and I’m excited that the Head of Service of the Federation is driving reform in line with the transformation agenda of Mr. President. Reforms will certainly lead to efficiency in service delivery to our people across the nation.
“I acknowledge the fact that there is an introduction of merit in the service and I think that is very important aspect of the reform. From all indications, it appears that there is a lot of streamlining and that would help us collectively in delivery on the dividends that the people expect from us”.
On the forfeited land for permanent site of the Federal Training Centre after over 30 years of non development, the chief executive assured that land was not a problem and that another land will be made available once the Federal agency demonstrates the right will to commence construction on site, saying that the benefit of the training centre, which is serving the south-south zone cannot be overemphasized.
On retirees’ emoluments, Imoke explained that with effect from January, 2014, the state government will review upward its own share of pension allowance in line with the current economic realities while asking the federal government to also look into an improved welfare for those who served the nation meritoriously in different capacities.
He lauded the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita for her hard work, dedication and deep sense of patriotism as demonstrated in the day to day discharge of her primary assignment, saying that she was a good ambassador of Cross River State.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry Special Duties & Inter-governmental Affairs, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, said the purpose of the visit which is in line with the directive of the head of Service was to explain the progress of the transformation agenda of the present administration and also brief the federal civil servants in states on the ongoing re-structuring exercises as introduced by the Federal Civil Service.
She disclosed that the visit also afforded them the opportunity of interacting with the federal civil servants with the view to appraising their working conditions as well as matters of their welfare in the day to day running of government businesses.
Mrs. Oyo-Ita assured the state government that Pensioners who are yet to benefit from the federal share of their pension will soon be captured and their entitlements paid as and when due.
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