By Nsa Gill
The Cross River State government has become aware of a partial and subjective analysis of the official quarterly budget performance report of the State published by Sahara Reporters. A recognized online medium.
Journalistic ethics condemn subjective reportage that aims to influence readers rather than allowing them to form their own judgments. Normally, we would have disregarded the report because it was a figment of the writer’s opinion which shouldn’t border us
However it is proper to set our records straight when wrongly presented.
In line our quarterly budget performance report, we take pride in running a transparent administration where business transactions of government is published for public consumption.
We are against biased reporting that distorts facts and against the good intentions of the government and capable of inciting public violence.
Cross River State is still recovering from the violence and destruction orchestrated by the #ENDSARs incident of 2020.
Legacies properties such as the Tinapa Business Resort, the foremost Nigerian Chronicles newspaper building, Ministry of Works building, former Primary HealthCare Development Agencies office, FADAMA project structure under ministry of Agriculture along Airport road, the state owned Calabar Garment Factory, the Unical Hotel building, and the WAEC zonal headquarters building, as well as assets of top politicians in the State were all lost during the 2020 #ENDSARs violent protests.
We perceive any subjective report at this time as one to undermine the government of His Excellency Senator Bassey Edet Otu and as an attempt to foment hatred against the administration that is committed to restoring, rebuilding, and ensuring economic progress for the people of our dear state.
We recognize the prevailing hardship in the land, which is not unique to Cross River State or Nigeria but a global economic reality where the cost of items, including food, is high.
According to the referenced news report, we submit that the amount quoted as being spent is not wrongful or irresponsible.
Besides , till date the Governor is still residing from his private residence while both the official lodge and the office are under renovation.
The referenced quarterly report comprises over 300 pages of various items and subheads, one wonders why they singled out the subhead on the renovation of the Governor’s office and residence, if not for cheap blackmail.
The project mentioned is an ongoing holistic renovation which started in 2023, and the contractors are paid in phases after due evaluations. The last major renovation of the governor’s office and lodge in Cross River State was done about twenty years ago.
Since Governor Bassey Otu assumed office on May 29th, 2023, he has been operating from a temporary office; one of the old government lodges, while the renovation of the office is ongoing.
We want to assure the public that Governor Bassey Otu is not oblivious to the present economic situation. Aside from temporary interventions using palliative measures, including provision of food and none food items to vulnerable households, provision of conditional cash transfer, distribution of farm inputs and only recently residents in some riverine communities were empowered with fishing boats and cash backing; all these government policies and programs are aim to provide succour to the youths, women and the vulnerables. Empower farmers and residents to focus on agriculture, which remains our natural endowment. Crops value chains such as Cocoa, Rice, Cassava, and Maize are being developed.
The Government has not neglected its educational, health, infrastructure, and civil service sectors.
The publication mentioned a protest in January in the state capital accusing the government of having owed January salaries. Without conceding, because Salaries were never owed civil servants, The truth is that the government of Senator Bassey Edet Otu, as the Governor, does not owe salaries and pensions as a policy. Pensions are paid first, followed by workers’ wages, all done before or on the 29th of every month. The January issue was due to a staff audit and verification process. Those who complied received their salaries as when due, while a few who delayed their clearance, had themselves to blame. The verification exercises were also extended to the pensions payroll, and over 2000 ghost pensioners have been discovered and removed from the payroll.
Gratuity of retirees in the state have been unpaid since the year 2014. The People First-minded administration of Governor Bassey Otu has set aside the sum of N10 billion naira in the first phase to offset the outstanding entitlements it inherited.
This administration of Governor Bassey Otu values transparency and prudence. The government is committed to providing quality services to our people and ensuring value for every kobo released.
All revenue and expenditure of the Government are publicly reported for transparency and accountability through the publication of the Budget Implementation Report every quarter.
We urge our media partners and stakeholders to be cautious in approaching reports; the golden values of journalism does not encourage subjectivity. It demands objectivity, truth and fairness.
A lot is being done to ensure food security and availability, the state government in collaboration with the federal government are taking proactive steps through investment in sustainable agricultural practices, supporting smallholder farmers, strengthening crops value chains and improving post harvest handling and storage systems that will provide opportunities and guarantee food sufficiency.
We call on all the citizens to support the administration of his Excellency, Governor Bassey Otu, to fulfill its promises in the overall interest of the State and the Nation.
Nsa Gill,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State.
