Calabar –The Chairman of the Cross River State Civil Service Commission, Sir Maurice Effiwatt, has commended Governor Bassey Otu for prioritizing the welfare and dignity of civil servants in the state, describing his approach as transformational and people-centered NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
Speaking during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Calabar, Effiwatt joined organized labour in applauding the Otu-led administration’s people-centered policies, especially in areas such as promotions, gratuity payments, and staff recruitment.
“I am joining Labour to commend the government under the leadership of Senator Bassey Otu for a job well done. I am not surprised because he has always been a kindhearted man. That is where he got the name ‘Sweet Prince’,” Effiwatt said.
He noted that since assuming office, Governor Otu has made significant strides in addressing long-standing concerns of civil servants, including clearing a large backlog of gratuities, implementing long-overdue promotions, and initiating a new phase of recruitment.
“The last time we had recruitment into the state civil service was in 1999. Before then, it was 1987. In 2024, the governor approved the employment of 2,000 new staff. That is historic,” he emphasized.
Effiwatt revealed that the Commission under his leadership has prioritized transparency and modernization, citing the digitization of promotion processes and the facelift given to the Civil Service Commission Secretariat and staff canteen.
“As we speak, over 2,000 civil servants who were due for promotion since 2015 have been promoted. That is why a lot of people are happy,” he said, adding that the administration is working toward ensuring that gratuities are prepared ahead of each worker’s retirement.
“Before your last year in the service, your gratuity should be ready. As you sign out, you simply pick your cheque and go enjoy your retirement,” he stated.
He also highlighted Cross River’s status as one of the first states in Nigeria to implement a six-month maternity leave policy—one month before delivery and five months after—which many states have yet to adopt.
Effiwatt lauded labour leaders in the state for their cooperation and resilience, noting: “The reward for hard work is more work. I am happy that the little effort I am doing is appreciated by state workers. I will do more.”
In a lighter moment, an unnamed worker at the event humorously remarked that Effiwatt’s transparency and dedication, especially in the 2024 recruitment exercise, have earned him admiration from the labour community.
The comments come as part of broader recognition of the Otu administration’s reforms, which were celebrated at the Workers’ Day event held at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar. Governor Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, described workers as the “heartbeat of the state.”
Key interventions by the administration include the release of N10 billion for gratuities, implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage with consequential adjustments, and renewed investment in the state’s digital infrastructure.
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrades Gregory Olayi and Monday Ogbodum, respectively, praised the administration for being labour-friendly, while also highlighting areas that require further attention—such as wage disparities, promotion delays, and transport-related costs for union operations.
The state government capped off the celebration by presenting two 18-seater buses to the NLC and TUC, reinforcing its ongoing partnership with the labour movement.
