The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has called on the newly inaugurated Local Government Service Commission to carry out their duties with unwavering dedication and a focus on advancing the state. During the inauguration ceremony of the seven-member commission in Calabar on Thursday, Governor Otu underscored the critical role of local government in his administration’s broader agenda.

In his address, Governor Otu emphasized that the inauguration was not just a routine administrative exercise but a pivotal step in aligning with his administration’s “People First” agenda. He described the establishment of the commission as “politically imperative, socio-economically expedient, and administratively wise,” highlighting the necessity of strengthening local government operations to meet the needs of the people.

“The local government seems to be one of our greatest problems in the system ever since I assumed office as Governor,” Otu remarked. He noted that this challenge played a significant role in the careful and deliberate selection process of the commission members.

The Governor made it clear that the selection of the commission members was based on a rigorous assessment of merit and experience. He stated that the appointments were not merely rewards, but responsibilities entrusted to those deemed capable of tackling the issues facing the local government system.

“Your appointment is not just a reward; it is a responsibility,” Otu said. “We have carefully selected each of you because we believe you have what it takes to address the challenges facing our local government system.”

Governor Otu also highlighted the importance of delivering the dividends of democracy through an inclusive government, ensuring that all segments of society are involved and represented in governance. “We have a major challenge ahead of us: to ensure that we run an inclusive government that carries everyone along,” he remarked.

The newly inaugurated commission is expected to play a crucial role in the state’s development by ensuring that local governments function effectively and in line with the broader goals of the administration. The Governor’s remarks underscore the administration’s commitment to tackling the longstanding issues within the local government system, which are seen as vital to the overall success of the state’s governance.