By Edem Ekpo
Chairman of the Cross River State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Darlington Bassey Eyo, has paid glowing tribute to Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng, FCPA, the outgone Head of Service of the Cross River State Civil Service, describing him as a seasoned technocrat, an astute administrator, and a reformer who repositioned the service for honour, decorum, and global best practices.
Speaking at a colourful Retirement and Pulling-Out Ceremony in honour of Dr. Eteng, Bassey commended the former Head of Service for steering the civil service away from the quagmire he inherited, laying a firm foundation for professionalism and efficiency.
He lauded Eteng for optimising workers’ welfare, creating an enabling environment for effective service delivery, and ensuring proper implementation of staff promotions, unlike past situations where employees received promotion letters without corresponding benefits.
“A lot has been said about you, and your citation speaks volumes,” Bassey remarked. “I had the privilege of working closely with you as a Permanent Secretary when I served as Commissioner in the Commission. Very simply, I can describe you as a jolly-good-fellow, an astute administrator, and a stickler for due process.”
The Commission Chairman also prayed for God’s blessings on Eteng and wished him success in his future endeavours, noting that his contributions would remain a reference point in the state civil service.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state,Comrade Monday Ogbodum, applauded Eteng for maintaining cordial industrial relations throughout his tenure
He highlighted the key role Eteng played in negotiating the implementation of the new minimum wage in Cross River State.
Ogbodum, however, cautioned government appointees against issuing conflicting circulars on matters affecting the service, warning that such actions undermine the statutory authority of the Head of Service, embarrass the government, and send the wrong signals to the public.
Speakers at the ceremony extolled Eteng’s remarkable contributions to civil service reforms and praised his unwavering commitment to discipline, excellence, and the welfare of workers throughout his distinguished career.
Responding, the outgone Head of Service, Obol Dr. Innocent Eteng, expressed appreciation to God for His grace and thanked Governor Bassey Otu for giving him the privilege to serve the state.
He commended members of the College of Permanent Secretaries, the Guild of Directors, and the entire workforce for their cooperation, dedication, and commitment to the discharge of statutory responsibilities.
Eteng cited the restoration of confidence, decorum, and discipline in the service, the ongoing recruitment of fresh staff after decades of stagnation, and the government’s current efforts to clear the backlog of gratuities as some of the achievements he cherishes most and will hold dear for years to come.