Calabar – In an effort to standardize official document signatures, the Cross River State Government has issued a circular categorizing ink usage for various government functionaries in the civil/public service. The circular, marked “HEAD OF SERVICE CIRCULAR NO. 1/2024,” was released by Dr. Innocent E. Eteng, the Head of Service for the state NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
The circular, dated January 15, 2024, expressed concern over the indiscriminate use of ink colors in signing official documents by top government functionaries and civil/public servants. Dr. Eteng emphasized that such practices were deemed incorrect and unacceptable.
To address this issue, the categorization /classification of ink colors has been outlined as follows:
His Excellency, the Governor – Red
His Excellency, the Deputy Governor – Green
The Speaker, CRSHA – Red
His Lordship, the State Chief Judge – Green
Hon. Commissioners – Blue or Black
Secretary to the State Government – Green
Head of Service – Blue
Special Advisers – Blue
Chairmen of Commissions and Boards – Blue
Auditor-General – Green
Accountant-General – Blue
Internal Auditors – Brown
Others – Blue
The circular explicitly states that only His Excellency, the Governor, and the Speaker, CRSHA, have the exclusive right to use the Red ink for official communication.
Designated officers and heads of MDAs have been urged to adhere strictly to this categorization to prevent the misuse of ink in official documents within the Cross River State Civil/Public Service. The circular, effective from January 2024, aims to bring order and uniformity to the signing of official communications within the state.
For further inquiries, individuals are encouraged to contact the Head of Service office at the Governor’s Office, New Secretariat, P.M.B 1070, Calabar.
